Several members of the Kansas City Chiefs were limited in practice on Wednesday as the team begins to prepare for the task of playing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV.
The Chiefs are clearly focusing on rest and recuperation as much as they are getting in practice reps for some players, a wise move considering just how many of the Chiefs are hurting at this point in the season. Head coach Andy Reid rested several starters in Week 17 in a meaningless game against the Los Angeles Chargers, and the team also enjoyed the bye week afford to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Even still, the Chiefs have a number of players who are injured and need significant rest before being able to suit up for the biggest game of the year.
On the offensive side, both Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Le’Veon Bell were limited in practice. That’s not a surprise given that both players have missed postseason games so far, although Edwards-Helaire was healthy on Sunday enough to play in the win over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins sat out Sunday’s game and was limited again in practice on Wednesday.
Linebacker Willie Gay, Jr. continues to sit out with a high ankle sprain. He wasn’t expected to play much early in the postseason, but with the Super Bowl more than a week away, he might be able to heal up enough to take the field in Tampa. In addition to Gay, the defense also saw cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Rashad Fenton limited as well. The former is in the league’s concussion protocol and is likely to be limited for most of the week if not longer.
The Chiefs saw several players limited in their ability to practice on Wednesday
In addition to the recent loss of Eric Fisher to an Achilles injury—who has yet to be placed on injured reserve—the Chiefs were also careful with a couple linemen in practice on Wednesday including super sub Mike Remmers and right guard Andrew Wylie. Their availability will be important to watch as the Super Bowl approaches given the concerns across the offensive line all season long.
The Chiefs and Buccaneers square off on Sunday, February 7.