The long training camp days, especially with the physicality building up with padded practices, are likely to cause some injuries as players return to playing shape. The Kansas City Chiefs had a few players dealing with nagging tweaks this week, and Sunday’s practice saw a few missing from the lineup.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid started his Sunday post-practice press conference addressing recent injuries to several players, including his All-Pro defensive lineman.
“Hollywood (Marquise Brown) is sick. Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) is sick. Nazeeh (Johnson) just tweaked his knee, the one that he had surgery on, but we should be okay. There is a little bit more of the hamstring than the knee.” said Reid. Chris Jones’ groin strain, and then Justin Watson, we’ve already talked about, but they’re making progress.”
Jones’s being kept out of practice for a groin strain could be a serious concern, as Reid reminded reporters that the All-Pro was joking about his quest for time off during training camp.
“We’ll see. I mean, I know he was messing with you guys“, said Reid, “but he does have a sore groin.”
The other new concern from Sunday was Johnson’s knee tweak, as Johnson was lost for the season in training camp last year with a torn ACL.
“I think he’s going to be fine,” said Reid. “You go through those things. He’s strong, his legs are strong, and he’s solid, all that, so it’d be fine.”
The Chiefs’ depth will continue to be tested in camp, with injuries and illness taking headlines. The team continues to work with pads on and prepare for their first preseason game, which is quickly approaching.
