Eric Fisher injury update: Chiefs tackle returns to practice

The Chiefs got Eric Fisher back in practice on Friday.

While nothing has been officially determined just yet, the Kansas City Chiefs have to feel much better about their offensive line situation with Eric Fisher’s return to practice on Friday. The team’s starting left tackle had missed practice all week long due to back pain, the same sort of diagnosis and concern that has kept the team’s other top two tackles out as well.

The Chiefs offensive line has required extensive changes all season long due to players opting out before the season began as well as serious injuries on the exterior and interior. Fisher’s absence from practice looked like it might be a major concern going forward considering the other injuries faced by the line right now as well. However if he’s able to practice on Friday then that’s a good sign about his ability to play through any pain on Sunday.

It should be noted that the Chiefs primary concern is going to remain on the postseason, even as they’re still fighting for the top seed in the AFC (and thus a first-round bye). If Fisher is going to re-injure himself on Sunday and potentially miss some time come January, then it’s not worth the effort to play against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15. That said, his presence along the line on Sunday would be nice given the circumstances.

As of right now, the Chiefs are also without their cornerstone in right tackle Mitchell Schwartz due to a back injury that has him on injured reserve. In addition, Mike Remmers was forced to leave the team’s most recent win in Week 14 and he has also missed every practice this week. The cause? Back pain. Remmers is the team’s swing tackle, so at this point, the Chiefs could potentially be without both starters and their primary sub—all due to back pain.

On the right side, the Chiefs leaned on rookie free agent Yasir Durant on Sunday and that looks like it will hold true this week. If Fisher can’t go then there are a few options, but all will mean a steep drop in the quality of play—whether that means moving Andrew Wylie outside and inserting Stefen Wisniewski or simply subbing in Bryan Witzmann or Martinas Rankin.

The Chiefs and Saints kick off on Sunday afternoon at 3:25 p.m. C.T.