KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is dealing with a knee contusion suffered in Sunday’s 23-17 win against the Cleveland Browns.
Coach Andy Reid indicated during Monday’s media session the team would evaluate the star rusher and backup defensive lineman Mike Catapano, who has a sprained ankle, in the coming days.
“Mike’s is probably a little more tender today than what Jamaal’s is,” Reid said. “But we’ll just take it day-by-day with both of them.”
Charles briefly left Sunday’s game, but returned to post his eighth straight game to open the season with 100 total yards (74 rushing, 46 receiving).
Oct 27, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Knile Davis (34) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns nose tackle Ishmaa’ily Kitchen (67) attempts the tackle during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Davis draws praise
With Charles’ short absence, rookie running back Knile Davis was thrust into action against Cleveland.
The team’s third-round pick finished the game with 13 yards rushing on three carries and 12 yards receiving on one catch.
Still, the knock on Davis is his propensity to put the ball on the ground. But his role would increase in the event of a long-term injury to Charles.
Reid complimented Davis, saying “he did a good job” during the relief appearance.
More importantly, it appears Davis is earning Reid’s trust.
“Every week, he’s gaining more confidence within the offense,” Reid said. “He’s knowing it better, and he’s more comfortable. That’s a plus for our team.”
No hint of move
The NFL’s trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
And with the annual event comes the swirling rumors attached to names such as tight end Tony Gonzalez or wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Josh Gordon, among others.
The wish list from fans seems best suited for Fantasy Football.
In the meantime, anyone hoping for a sneak peek into what the brain trust at One Arrowhead Drive may be thinking came away disappointed.
Responding to questions asked by ESPN.com’s Adam Teicher about the trade deadline, Reid indicated he liked the current roster.
“Listen, we have good players,” Reid said. “Do we need to keep getting better? Absolutely. As a group we need to keep getting better, but we have some good football players on this team.”
As to the Chiefs making a potential move, Reid said that area belonged on the general manager’s plate.
“I haven’t even gotten with John (Dorsey) on any of that,” Reid said. “He deals with all of that. I’m dealing with all of the football stuff. Right now I don’t see any, but I haven’t had a chance to meet with him either.”
Right on cue
Asked by Randy Covitz of The Kansas City Star if there’s something that stands out about the team’s 8-0 start, Reid complimented his players.
“I appreciate their camaraderie and togetherness, and how they go about their business day in, day out,” Reid said. “I’ll tell you since the offseason program, they’ve come to work, and I appreciate that.”
For their part, various Chiefs players interviewed following Sunday’s game discussed the locker room bond and what they’ve learned of each other through eight weeks.
Click here to read the full article at ArrowheadPride.com.
Notes: The Chiefs have allowed 17 points or fewer in each game entering Week Nine, becoming the fourth team since 1970 to accomplish the feat … The other teams are the Atlanta Falcons (1977), Miami Dolphins (1971) and Minnesota Vikings (1970) … Atlanta’s streak lasted nine games … Reid said the fans at Arrowhead Stadium played a role in an offsides penalty late in Sunday’s game … “Right at the end of the game there, we needed the fan support and they brought it and they caused a big offsides there,” Reid said.
