Is Alex Okafor set to return for Chiefs vs. Patriots?

Alex Okafor looks like he’s on track to return from injury for the Chiefs.

For the last three weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs have been compensating for a loss along the defensive front as they wait for Alex Okafor to return from injury. Given his availability to return to practice this week, it looks as if the veteran defensive end might be set to return this week against the New England Patriots.

The Chiefs first lost Okafor to a hamstring injury in Week 1 in their win over the Houston Texans to start the season. From there he’s missed complete games against the L.A. Chargers and Baltimore Ravens. Fortunately the team has gone on to win both games. Now as the team is gearing up for another AFC showdown, the Chiefs are getting Okafor back in practice for the first time since the injury.

Whether Okafor is actually able to play is anyone’s guess at this point. The Chiefs still have another day of practice before the game and that will say a lot about his availability. Okafor has been limited for the last two practices, but even that is more promising than missing entire weeks with the hamstring. At this point, it would seem his designation would be questionable.

Without Okafor, the Chiefs have been starting Tanoh Kpassagnon opposite Frank Clark along the defensive line. However, the team also has received some very promising reps from younger players Taco Charlton and Michael Danna. Not much was expected of either player coming into training camp given their status as a free agent flyer and a late round draft pick, but both have been instrumental in the team’s pass rush through three weeks.

Okafor is a free agent after this season after restructuring his deal this offseason. He had 22 tackles and 5 sacks in 10 games for the Chiefs last season.