The defensive line continues to run thin during practice for the Kansas City Chiefs with word that Frank Clark and Alex Okafor are out.
If the game of football is won and lost in the trenches, it’s frustrating to see the Kansas City Chiefs hurting the most in those very areas.
On Thursday, it was clear the offensive and defensive lines are the very sections of the roster where the most amount of rest and recovery is needed, even as the Chiefs endure yet another week of limited availability.
Left tackle Eric Fisher (groin) and right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (ankle) are two of the Chiefs unable to go on Thursday in practice as the team prepares for the Minnesota Vikings. On the flip side, the Chiefs are also without Frank Clark (neck) and Alex Okafor (ankle) on the defensive side.
Speaking of the defensive front, star lineman Chris Jones was available in practice today but it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see him need another week of recovery given that he’s already missed the last three-plus games for Kansas City. In addition, Andrew Wylie, the team’s left guard, is only just now recovering from an ankle concern of his own as the Chiefs have been running with backups on the left side of the line for weeks.
The Chiefs have already lost Xavier Williams and Breeland Speaks for the entire season from the defensive line which has hurt the team’s depth and ability to stay fresh through four full quarters.
As for other defenders, cornerback Bashaud Breeland and Kendall Fuller were expected to practice for the Chiefs on Thursday which is good news considering the team is pretty thin in their pass defense. Safeties look strong, but the Chiefs have often gone with only four and sometimes three healthy corners at times in the last few games.
Here’s hoping the Chiefs can get some key players back and avoid any further injuries in a season that’s become known for them.