KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs appear to have dodged a bullet with starting left tackle Branden Albert.
The injury suffered by Albert doesn’t seem to be as series as it initially looked when he was carted off the field during Sunday’s 35-28 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Dec 1, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tackle Branden Albert (76) is carted off the field after an injury during the second half of the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Denver won 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
“Branden Albert has a hyperextended knee, a day-to-day situation,” coach Andy Reid said during Monday’s media session. “We’ll see how he does.”
With Albert out of the lineup, the Chiefs moved Donald Stephenson to the left side and reinserted rookie Eric Fisher at right tackle.
Stephenson drew the start over Fisher in Week 13 and could stay on the left side again if Albert isn’t ready.
Meanwhile, Reid said tight end Anthony Fasano is going through the concussion protocol, adding Fasano also “has a little bit of a knee strain.”
The veteran tight end had a touchdown reception, his third in as many weeks, during Sunday’s game.
Reid said outside linebacker Justin Houston (elbow) is making progress. Houston missed Sunday’s game.
Asked by a reporter if Houston could be ready for Week 14’s game against the Washington Redskin, Reid didn’t sound optimistic.
“He’s in a day-to-day situation, he’s made some strides,” Reid said. “But I think that would be quite a feat if he were able to make it to that.”
Shuffling offensive line
A bit of a surprise occurred in Week 13 when Donald Stephenson drew the start at right tackle over rookie Eric Fisher and Geoff Schwartz started at right guard over Jon Asamoah.
Reid told reporters the decision to go with Stephenson and Schwartz was attributed to their play the previous week when they also started in place of Fisher and Asamoah.
Additionally, Fisher and Asamoah are returning from shoulder injuries.
“I’d tell you it’s a combination of both,” Reid said. “They did a nice job against San Diego. The other part was I didn’t think the other guys were able to practice as much early in the week.”
