Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs wide receiver Donnie Avery (17) catches a pass as New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) attempts the tackle at Arrowhead Stadium. Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs wide receiver Donnie Avery appears on the road to a return since undergoing sports hernia surgery on Oct. 3.
“There’s a chance Donnie Avery can get out and start practicing again here as we get going this week,” coach Andy Reid told reporters during his Monday media session.
Avery has missed four straight games since suffering the injury in Week 4 against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football.
The seventh-year pro had 14 catches for 156 yards on the season before the injury. His receptions currently rank fifth and yards receiving ranks fourth on the team despite the missed time.
Wide receiver A.J. Jenkins has filled in for Avery and has totaled four catches for 50 yards during that span.
Whether Avery plays in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills will likely hinge on what he’s able to do in practice in the coming days.
Reid said linebacker Jerry Franklin’s hamstring is “pretty tender,” and the team will continue evaluating the injury.
Franklin suffered the injury during Sunday’s 24-10 win against the New York Jets.
Reid said cornerback Jamell Fleming and linebacker Josh Martin, both of whom suffered hamstring injuries in Week 8 and didn’t play Sunday, wouldn’t be able to practice if team practiced Monday.
“All of them are getting better,” Reid said, “or at least Fleming and Martin are. We’ll just see how Franklin does here in the next few days.”
Strong safety Eric Berry, who returned to action against the Jets after missing five straight games with a high ankle sprain, came out of Sunday’s game unscathed.
“Eric Berry made it out of the game fine,” Reid said. “No problems there.”
Reid said inside linebacker Joe Mays will “continue to progress” as Mays continues rehabilitation on his surgically repaired wrist. Mays, who hasn’t been activated from the reserve/injured with designation for return list, returned to the practice field last week.
“We’ll just see how he does as we go forward,” Reid said.
The Chiefs are off Tuesday before returning to the practice field Wednesday.
