Jody Fortson injury update: Chiefs TE expected back in ‘few days’

The Kansas City Chiefs say they’re expecting Jody Fortson to be back sooner than later as he deals with a quad strain.

The Kansas City Chiefs were back at practice on Monday, this time with pads on for the first time this preseason, which means that there were a few injury updates to give once more from head coach Andy Reid after the team enjoyed a day of rest on Sunday.

The big name to watch coming into today was tight end Jody Fortson, who left Saturday’s practice with a quad injury that required him to be carted off. After a day off on Sunday, Reid says Fortson is still dealing with the strain and that he expects him to need further time off, although he didn’t sound worried about it.

"“He’s got a quad strain,” Reid said of Fortson. “It doesn’t look too bad at all. He’s swinging right back into it. I think it’ll be a few days and we’ll get him back out there.”"

Without Fortson, the Chiefs are able to give more reps in practice to the likes of last year’s fifth-round pick Noah Gray as well as long shots on the roster like Jordan Franks and Matt Bushman. However, Fortson’s own reps are also very important given that he’s still coming off of a severe Achilles injury that prematurely ended his season in ’21 after going down in Week 6.

Fortson is hoping to once again force the Chiefs to carry four tight ends—or at least carry him on the active roster. Last year, the Chiefs went with Travis Kelce, Fortson, Gray, and Blake Bell in a surprising arrangement that valued both experience and potential. Do the Chiefs need Bell again in that limited capacity? Are younger players ready to take over? All of that is still up for grabs.

Fortson had 5 catches for 47 yards and 2 touchdowns last year for the Chiefs in five games.