Aug. 21, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs linebacker Dee Ford (55) pursues Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first half of preseason action at Arrowhead Stadium. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs appear to have dodged a bullet with Chiefs outside linebacker Dee Ford.
Ford was in pads and on the practice field Monday afternoon, two days after suffering what was feared to be a fractured rib in preseason action against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Chiefs also welcomed back linebacker Josh Mauga (heel) and safety Sanders Commings (knee).
Mauga missed two straight preseason games after suffering his injury in training camp, while Commings did not play in the second preseason game.
Linebackers James-Michael Johnson (calf) and Dezman Moses (hamstring) were also on the field in pads after suffering their respective injuries in the second preseason game.
Wide receiver Jason Avant did not practice with a hip strain.
Avant, however, was observed on the field without his helmet offering advice and assistance to fellow wide receives as they ran routes during drills.
Second-year wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas (shin) participated in the morning walk-through, but did not participate in the afternoon practice. Thomas was on the field without his helmet and observed the workout.
Also not practicing were offensive linemen Eric Fisher (ankle), Jeff Allen (knee) and Tavon Rooks (shortness of breath); quarterback Tyler Bray (knee); tight end Demetrius Harris (foot); wide receiver Junior Hemingway (hip); rookie linebacker Justin March (knee); and defensive tackle Dontari Poe (back).
Coach Andy Reid seemed pleased with Poe’s recovery progress from back surgery.
“He’s made big strides,” Reid said. “I can just tell you that he’s at least on schedule, if not a little bit ahead. Great attitude with the whole thing.”
Rookie defensive tackle Charles Tuaau practiced with the offense as an offensive lineman. Tuaau was observed wearing a red jersey, and sported No. 65, which is Rooks’ assigned number.
But the move could be out of necessity when considering the Chiefs are undermanned on the offensive line with Fisher, Allen and Rooks out.
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Herbie Teope is the lead beat writer and reporter for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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