ST JOSEPH, Mo. — Chiefs running back Charcandrick West left practice early Saturday following a hit to the helmet, according to head coach Andy Reid.
“(Head athletic trainer) Rick (Burkholder) is evaluating him , we’ll just see where he’s at,” Reid said. “We’ll just see where he’s at.”
The hit occurred on the first day of practice with pads allowing live contact. Trainers evaluated West in the medical tent along the field before he left for the locker room.
Running back Kareem Hunt continues nurse a tight hamstring. He has sat out most team drills during the first practices. Hunt worked with trainers on the sidelines each of the past two days.
“I don’t want to mess around with that,” Reid said. “He had a sore hamstring during the OTAs and I want to stay away from that. He did some stuff early and then we just backed him off.”
The Chiefs carry a deep stable at running, but the injuries to West and Hunt challenge that depth. Spencer Ware continues to build his workload returning from last year’s season-ending injury. Damien Williams saw reps with the first team today. Kerwynn Williams and Darrel Williams round out the halfback group.
The Chiefs did get back rookie safety Armani Watts. The fourth-round selection missed the first two days of practice with an ankle strain.
“He’s back in today, got some work in and we’ll see how he does,” Reid said. “He needs reps. He’s got to be in there. If you’re going to make this team, you’ve got to get in and show it.”
Linebacker Reggie Ragland (knee) continues to work on the side. He remains on the non-football injury list due to swelling in his knee following his flight to Kansas City for training camp. There is not timetable for his return but the team does not consider the issue serious.
Cornerback Ashton Lampkin (knee) also remains on the sidelines as he returns from a torn ACL.
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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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