The Kansas City Chiefs were back at practice for another round on Thursday as they prepare to host the visiting Buffalo Bills on Sunday night in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. Unfortunately, they are still without a couple of key players to injuries as they hope to rest and recover in time for the game.
Both cornerback Rashad Fenton and running back Darrel Williams were missing from practice for a second straight day on Thursday, creating some very real concerns about the availability of both heading into the weekend.
For Wiliams, he’s been dealing with a toe injury that first occurred during the Chiefs’ season-closing win over the Denver Broncos in Week 18. He was designated as questionable to return at that point but remained out for the game. Since then, he had a handful of carries in the team’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round, and yet he’s now missing more practice. It’s unfortunate that the injury continues to linger.
The Chiefs were missing cornerback Rashad Fenton and running back Darrel Williams as they practiced on Thursday.
GIven Williams’ absence, the team might be a bit more worried but Clyde Edwards-Helaire looks like he’s on the mend. After missing several games with a shoulder contusion, the Chiefs’ lead back looks like he’s ready for a full return with another practice session under his belt. The Chiefs also have Jerick McKinnon and Derrick Gore as reliable contributors as well, with McKinnon serving as an offensive hero on Sunday with 140 yards from scrimmage.
As for Fenton, his presence in the secondary would be missed if the Chiefs had to go without him. Deandre Baker would likely be called upon to replace him in the lineup, which is a drop from the production Fenton has displayed this year. Josh Allen as the opposing quarterback has the capability of turning any skill position player into a potential playmaker, so having a full secondary could be critical overall.
Fenton sat out the team’s Wild Card round win with a back injury, so there’s just no way of knowing if/when he might be ready to go again.