ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Three Chiefs players who underwent surgery during the offseason will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list, according to head coach Andy Reid.
Cornerback Rashad Fenton underwent surgery on his shoulder during the offseason, while right tackle Lucas Niang suffered a knee injury during the team’s Week 17 loss at Cincinnati. Undrafted rookie free agent Justyn Ross required a second procedure to correct a stress fracture injury he suffered last season at Clemson.
All three players were expected to report Friday afternoon for the opening of the team’s training camp on the campus of Missouri Western State University. Quarterbacks, rookies and players returning from injuries will take part in a three-day minicamp this week prior to the official opening of camp on July 26. Fenton, Niang and Ross will not take part in practices as they continue their rehabilitation off the field, Reid said.
“I would probably tell you they will start on PUP,” Reid said. “They’ll start on PUP, they won’t be practicing.”
Fenton appears the closest to returning to action but Reid didn’t set a definitive timetable for any of the trio. General manager Brett Veach said this spring the club hoped Niang might be ready to begin on-field workouts before the end of training camp.
Ross underwent surgery for a stress fracture in his left foot last November, and Reid said the rookie from Clemson required a second procedure on the foot. He was recently spotted at a charity event with his left foot in a boot.
Ross took part in the team’s offseason program but did not practice during the club’s three-day minicamp in June. Reid said “it’s going to take time” for Ross to return to action but didn’t set a timetable.
“It was bothering him,” Reid said. “It wasn’t working quite the way he wanted, so they went in and redid it, and we’re hoping this works out well.”
First-round rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie finished the team’s mandatory minicamp on the sidelines after sustaining a head injury but he indicated he’s ready to go for training camp.
“I was a little dinged up, I mean it was a long camp, but I’m feeling good, feeling healthy and just ready to get back out there and get with the team,” McDuffie said after reporting to camp Friday.
The same goes for second-round wide receiver Skyy Moore, who was limited during the offseason program by a hamstring injury sustained during preparation for the NFL Draft. He said Friday he’s “full ready, full go” for training camp.
“I’m excited just to be out here and to be healthy,” Moore said.
The team’s remaining veterans are scheduled to report on Monday. Reid doesn’t expect any other significant injury issues starting camp.
“Everybody else is good to go, everybody else is back and rolling, so we’re in good shape,” Reid said.
