KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles appears closer to returning to action, but coach Andy Reid did not give any indication the All-Pro running back would make his 2016 debut against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday.
Sept. 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) turns up the field against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. (Chris Neal/The Topeka Capital-Journal)
“Jamaal is improving by the day,” Reid said. “We’ll just keep him going here, see how he does this week. He’s chomping at the bit and wants to play, which I love about him. I just want to make sure that we’re good there when the time comes.”
Reid said Charles continues to work more into the Chiefs game planning, spending time with the starting offensive unit as well as the scout team. He sees no need to rush Charles back faster than necessary.
“Another week I think is going to help him,” Reid said. “We’ll see how he does this week.”
Chiefs veterans Eric Berry and Tamba Hali did not practice Wednesday, but right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif did return to practice, making it more likely the team has him back in the lineup Sunday.
Coach Andy Reid described Hali’s absence as part of the team’s strategy of limiting his practice time to keep the veteran fresher for game action.
Reid said Berry has some swelling on his knee, but expected him to practice Wednesday. Berry did not appear on the field in the portion of practice open to the media.
Duvernay-Tardif suffered a high-ankle sprain against the San Diego Chargers. The team made him inactive Sunday against Houston. Jah Reid filled in for him at right guard, while Zach Fulton started at left guard for Parker Ehinger. Ehinger remained out of practice Wednesday with a concussion.
Reid missed practice Wednesday nursing ankle and knee injuries, according to Reid. He suffered a sprained ankle injury at Houston but remained in the game.
Wednesday’s injury report as released by the Chiefs:
NEW YORK JETS
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: WR Brandon Marshall (knee/foot), LB Erin Henderson (foot), OL James Carpenter (calf), WR Eric Decker (shoulder) and QB Bryce Petty (right shoulder)
Limited participation: RB Matt Forte (knee) and LB David Harris (shoulder)
Full participation: LB Jordan Jenkins (calf), DB Darryl Roberts (foot), DL Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle), LB Bruce Carter (shoulder), WR Quincy Enunwa (ribs) and OL Brian Winters (hand)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: S Eric Berry (knee), LB Tamba Hali (knee), G Parker Ehinger (concussion/foot), OL Jah Reid (knee/ankle) and LB Sam Barrington (hamstring)
Limited participation: RB Jamaal Charles (knee) and G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (ankle)
Full participation: None
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and the Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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