KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs take on the Houston Texans on Sunday without both of their starting offensive guards.
Aug. 18, 2015; St. Joseph, MO; Chiefs guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (76) prepares to block during a training camp drill at Missouri Western State University (Emily DeShazer/The Topeka Capital-Journal).
Coach Andy Reid ruled out both Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (ankle) and Parker Ehinger (concussion) for Sunday’s game along with linebacker Sam Barrington (hamstring).
Duvernay-Tardif appeared to injury his ankle of the final play of the game against San Diego. Ehinger suffered a concussion in practice on Wednesday.
Zach Fulton and Jah Reid are the likely starters in their place Sunday. Both players started for the Chiefs a year ago in supporting roles, and Reid said he has confidence in both.
“We’ve got a good group there, some guys that have some experience,” Reid said. “That becomes important in a situation like this.”
The absence of the two starters leaves the Chiefs with just a lone active lineman in reserve, the recently acquired Brian Witzmann. Witzmann is primarily a swing tackle.
Reid did not rule out general manager John Dorsey adding an additional lineman before Sunday.
“I think I’ve done it once before,” Reid said when asked about carrying six active lineman for a game. “I can’t tell you it’s my favorite thing to do.”
The team has offensive lineman Jarrod Pughsley and Jordan Devey on the practice squad.
Linebacker Tamba Hali did not practice Friday but Reid said he would play Sunday.
“Tamba did not practice today, but he’ll go ahead and play,” Reid said. “We rested him today, he’s had a couple of good days of work.”
Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin missed practice Thursday for personal reasons but returned on Friday.
Friday’s injury report as released by the Chiefs:
HOUSTON TEXANS
OUT: T Duane Brown and ILB Brian Cushing
QUESTIONABLE: G Jeff Allen, DE Christian Covington and T Derek Newton
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: T Duane Browne (knee), ILB Brian Cushing (knee), DE Christian Covington (groin) and T Derek Newton (Knee)
Limited participation: G Jeff Allen (calf) and J.J. Watt (back)
Full participation: FB Jay Prosch (ankle) and OLB John Simon (wrist)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OUT: RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, LG Parker Ehinger and LB Sam Barrington
DOUBTFUL: RB Jamaal Charles
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (ankle), LG Parker Ehinger (concussion), LB Tamba Hali (knee) and LB Sam Barrington (hamstring)
Limited participation: RB Jamaal Charles (knee)
Full participation: RB Spencer Ware (toe)
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and the Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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