Oct 26, 2014; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) in action against the St. Louis Rams at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith is dealing with a right shoulder sprain to his throwing arm, coach Andy Reid revealed Monday.
Reid said Smith suffered the injury late in the first half during Sunday’s 34-7 win against the St. Louis Rams.
“He just kind of landed on it,” Reid said. “Probably more of a bruise than it is anything.”
Reid said the Chiefs will evaluate whether Smith, who was sacked twice Sunday, will take a full load during practice in the coming days as the team prepares to host the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 8.
But Smith’s injury doesn’t appear serious.
“He’s tender today,” Reid said, “but he’s upbeat about it. We did all the precautionary things looking at it.”
A potential good sign on Smith’s health surrounded his availability to the media following Sunday’s game.
Smith’s right arm wasn’t in a sling during his postgame media session and he didn’t appear to be in discomfort while taking questions.
The Chiefs typically have Smith available to the media every Wednesday, so a good gauge of his availability for Week 9’s game will be known then.
Backup quarterback Chase Daniel would start against the Jets if Smith’s shoulder injury prevents him from playing.
The Chiefs also have rookie quarterback Aaron Murray on the roster. Murray hasn’t been active for any of the seven regular-season games.
OTHER INJURY UPDATES
Nickel cornerback Chris Owens (knee) is “making progress,” but it doesn’t appear he’s prepared to return to practice soon.
“He wouldn’t be ready to practice today (Monday) if we practiced,” Reid said.
Owens suffered the injury in Week 5 and has missed the last two games. Rookie cornerback Phillip Gaines has played in Owens’ place.
Reid said cornerback Jamell Fleming and linebacker Josh Martin suffered hamstring strains Sunday.
Fleming drew a second straight start at left cornerback before leaving the game with the injury. Marcus Cooper, who replaced Fleming, would likely return to the starting lineup if Fleming can’t play against the Jets.
Martin’s contributions mostly come on special teams.
Reid said strong safety Eric Berry (ankle) will “continue to work” during the week and wide receiver Donnie Avery (groin) is “making progress.”
Berry has missed five straight games since suffering the high ankle sprain in Week 2, while Avery has missed three straight game after undergoing a sports hernia procedure on Oct. 3.
