ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — An injury to Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos has the team pondering its options for Friday night’s preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers in the even the veteran cannot kick.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos (5) boots a kick from the hold of punter Dustin Colquitt (2) during the team’s 19-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 6, 2016 at Arrowhead Stadium. (Photo courtesy Chiefs PR, Chiefs.com)
“We’ll just monitor it, see how he does,” head coach Andy Reid said. “We’ve got some other kickers that are here to come in. We’ll work those guys out just in case he can’t go in this game.
Reid indicated the kicker tweaked his groin. He said the injury may connect to scar tissue remaining from an injury in college.
“Other than that he’s going to be fine,” Reid said. “It’s not a serious deal.”
The Chiefs auditioned former Stanford kicker Conrad Ukropina and Liberty kicker John Lunsford, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
DEFENSIVE LINE BANGED UP
Defensive lineman Tanoh Kpassagnon was the latest addition to the team’s growing injury list on Tuesday. The rookie missed practice with shin splints, Reid said.
Kpassagnon’s injury is the latest hit to the team’s defensive line depth. Defensive tackle Bennie Logan has not practiced since Saturday with a knee injury. Chris Jones remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and will not play Friday.
The team signed free agent Roy Miller Aug. 2. He continues limited participation in practice as he returns from an Achilles tear sustained last October. The team added undrafted rookie free agent Maurice Swain for depth this week.
The injuries leave the Chiefs with seven healthy defensive linemen for Friday’s preseason game. That group includes David King, who missed two recent practices with an ankle injury.
Safety Eric Berry also did not practice Tuesday with a heel injury. Berry has not practiced since Saturday. Tight end Travis Kelce also remains on the sideline with what the team indicated was swelling in his knee.
Corner back De’Vante Bausby did not practice following an ankle injury on Monday. Cornerback Jacoby Glenn sustained a concussion on Monday and will not play Friday night.
Linebackers Tamba Hali and Dadi Nicolas and offensive lineman Parker Ehinger remain on the PUP list and will not play Friday as well.
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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