Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward is scheduled for surgery on his hand.
The Kansas City Chiefs received some mixed news on cornerback Charvarius Ward after their season-opening win against the Houston Texans on Thursday. After watching their top corner leave with a serious hand injury only to be ruled out shortly thereafter, the Chiefs learned on Friday that Ward might be able to play despite having fractured his hand.
Per NFL reporter Ian Rapoport, Ward is scheduled to have surgery to repair the fracture, which happened during the third quarter of the Chiefs 34-20 win, but even then, he could play with a cast.
#Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward is slated for surgery on his broken hand, source said. But based on the position he plays, it wouldn’t be unprecedented if he puts a cast on it and plays. Plus, Ward and KC have 3 extra days to get ready for their next game.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2020
Ward enjoyed a breakout season last year with the Chiefs after starting all 16 games in the regular season on the outside for the Chiefs. He had 74 total tackles, 10 passes defended, and 2 interceptions in his first year as a starter and should take an even greater leap forward with the experience in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme.
Without Ward, the Chiefs look thin at the position, especially considering the fact that the secondary is already without another starting cornerback in Bashaud Breeland. The veteran defensive back was suspended for the first four games of the season. Rookie L’Jarius Sneed filled in for Breeland outside opposite Ward to start the game, while Rashad Fenton replaced Ward in the lineup after his injury.
The Chiefs will likely lean on the same combination of Sneed and Fenton on the boundaries if Ward is unable to go in 10 days against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. However, the Chiefs could also see what they have in seventh round rookie BoPete Keyes (Tulane) or elevate someone like Chris Lammons from the practice squad to help bolster the position. Antonio Hamilton is also expected to help in the middle.