KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kicker Harrison Butker did not practice for the Chiefs on Thursday, increasing the likelihood that Matthew Wright may again handle kicking duties for the club when it hosts the Las Vegas Raiders Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
Right guard Trey Smith was limited after injuring his pectoral Sunday night against Tampa Bay. Center Creed Humphrey was excused for personal reasons.
Butker, who hasn’t kicked for the team since Week 1 against Arizona, continues battling inflammation in his sprained left ankle. He attempted to kick with a one-step drop during practice last Wednesday but has remained on the sidelines since then. The swelling in his plant leg remains the obstacle to getting back on the field, according to head coach Andy Reid.
“Normally the sprained ankles don’t last that long but he’s got some swelling in there that he’s just got to get out,” Reid said. “That’s where we’re at it right now It’s not that he doesn’t want to play. He wants to get out there.”
The Chiefs did good news on Thursday with cornerback Trent McDuffie making his first appearance at practice since landing on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. McDuffie was an observer only in practice but Reid is optimistic the rookie maybe be ready to be designated to return to play once he’s eligible after Monday’s game.
“He’s doing great,” Reid said. “He’s got this week here, I think he’ll get back in there maybe next week.”
Tight end Blake Bell (hip flexor) and right tackle Lucas Niang (knee) are also eligible to return to action but it appears both need a bit more time. The timeline for Niang appears it will be longer before he’s ready to get back on the field. He’s been out of action since suffering a patella tendon injury on Jan. 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“He’s close but not quite there yet,” Reid said. “He’s working through it, but he’s not ready to do that.”
Linebacker Willie Gay returned to the team’s facility this week after serving the first two games of his four-game suspension for a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He’s allowed to work with the team but will miss two more games before’s eligible to return in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Chiefs Injury report
Did not practice: K Harrison Butker (left ankle) and C Creed Humphrey (not injury related/personal)
Limited participation: RG Trey Smith (pectoral)
Full participation: CB L’Jarius Sneedf (ankle), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (quad), WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (abdomen), WR Mecole Hardman (heel), WR Skyy Moore (ankle), DE Mike Danna (calf) and TE Jody Fortson (shoulder)
