It's frustrating to see Cyrus Allen dealing with any kind of injury whatsoever, but after fearing the worst over the weekend, Kansas City Chiefs fans can breathe easier knowing the team's red-hot rookie receiver is going to be back very soon.
On Monday, the Chiefs returned to practice in St. Joseph after a day off before the pads came on, and Allen was still missing in action after leaving the field on Saturday following a collision with cornerback Kaiir Elam during special teams drills. Allen was helped while limping off the field and ultimately left on a cart with his head in his hands.
Within a few hours, however, the Chiefs made it clear that the injury was not severe at all. Instead, Allen was diagnosed with a shin bruise. On Monday, head coach Andy Reid clarified the timeline and said that Allen would need "a day or two" before he would return.
Given the early scare, Andy Reid's timeline for Cyrus Allen's return is a best-case scenario for the Chiefs.
Reid also noted that fellow wide receiver Xavier Worthy was also going return in the same general timeframe. Worthy left Saturday's practice as well with a shoulder injury, but Reid described it as a sprain and said he would return to practice later this week as well.
The news that Allen will only miss a couple of practices following such a scary accident is the best-case scenario for all parties involved. Allen was building very real trust with Patrick Mahomes in early practices at minicamp and as the first reportees to St. Joseph. With the pads coming on, the Chiefs offense needs to see how the chemistry changes, if at all, as the season creeps closer.
Allen was the Chiefs' fifth-round choice out of Cincinnati, a slot-savvy weapon with true separation ability against both zone and man coverages. What makes Allen even more important is the lack of newcomers around him. For a position that dealt with numerous injuries a year ago, the Chiefs are largely counting on the same group to stay healthy and productive. Allen was the only real addition to the roster in either free agency or the draft.
While Allen misses a couple of practices, other wide receiver hopefuls have the chance to step up. Andrew Armstrong earned strong reviews from practice on Monday. Other rookie additions like Jeff Caldwell and Omari Evans are hoping to make their presence felt as well.
The Chiefs still have nearly two weeks before their first preseason tilt at home against the L.A. Rams (August 15), so there's plenty of runway before the regular season begins for Allen to further find his footing with Mahomes and company. Given the overall uncertainty at the position,
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