Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC; Chiefs linebacker Joe Mays (53) sacks Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs inside linebacker Joe Mays returned to the practice field for the first time since early August.
Mays underwent surgery in late August to repair ligament damage in his right wrist suffered during the second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. The Chiefs placed him on injured reserve with a designation to return before the start of the regular season.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid revealed on Oct. 17 the pins in Mays’ wrist were recently removed, but Mays didn’t practice leading to Week 8.
The Chiefs allowed Mays to practice Wednesday on a limited basis with the goal of getting the seventh-year pro in football shape.
“Our doctors told us it was time to start getting him back doing football things,” Reid said after Wednesday morning’s walk-through. “But we are just going to take it nice and slow with him.”
Mays was observed on the field going through stretching and warm-up drills during the afternoon portion of practice open the media. He wore a brace on his right wrist/hand area, but isn’t expected to play in Week 9 against the New York Jets.
“Sunday would be a long shot,” Reid said. “Probably won’t happen Sunday.”
The clock on Mays officially started Wednesday with his appearance on the practice field.
The Chiefs have three weeks to decide whether to activate Mays from the reserve/injured with designation to return list to the active roster or place Mays on season-ending injured reserve.
Josh Mauga has started the seven regular-season games in Mays’ place and leads the Chiefs in tackles with 47 (43 solo).
