Chiefs news: Richie James could miss time with MCL injury

The Kansas City Chiefs returned to practice for their upcoming home game with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday but the injury list of players who were forced to sit out was quite long. One injury of note was quite concerning: wide receiver Richie James.

James wasn't the biggest name on the Chiefs' injury list, but he was the only issue described as anything more than "day-to-day." James sat out of practice with an MCL injury, and when asked by media members about the severity of the team's injured players, he stated, "Richie might be a little bit longer, possibly."

The Chiefs might have to find new options for the return game in the wake of James's injury news.

James came over from the New York Giants after a breakout season in Brian Daboll's offense and signed a one-year deal in free agency. Within the Chiefs offense so far, however, James has been a rarely featured addition. His primary value to the team comes on special teams where he serves as the primary returner—now leaving the Chiefs with questions as to who would take over.

If James sits for any length of time, it will be interesting where the Chiefs turn. Justin Watson could be the next man up, but Skyy Moore and Isiah Pacheco have also manned those positions for the Chiefs last year. So far in 2023, James has caught only 1 of his 3 targets for a mere 6 yards. In New York in 2022, James caught 57 of 70 passes for 569 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Other players considered day-to-day for the Chiefs include Pacheco (hamstring), linebacker Nick Bolton (ankle), Willie Gay (quad), and wide receiver Kadarius Toney (toe).