KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs will likely open the season the same way they spent almost the entire 2017 season with safety Eric Berry on the sidelines. Head coach Andy Reid ruled Berry labeled Berry doubtful with a sore heel, but he appears unlikely to play.
“We'll just take it day-by-day,” Reid said. “Right now he's doubtful, probably won't go, but he will go on the trip there.”
Berry hasn't practiced with the full squad since Aug. 11. Earlier this week the team's head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder described Berry as “literally day-to-day” as he rehabilitates his sore heel. Berry missed all but one game last season with a torn Achilles tendon.
Safety Eric Murray, who looks to share much of the work load at safety alongside Ron Parker, said Berry's continues providing a positive influence on the sidelines with his presence.
“As long as you can use him as a resource, it doesn't feel like like he's injured because he's always there,” Murray said.
Parker joined the Chiefs earlier this week after receiving his release from the Atlanta Falcons. Reid said Parker has no limits on his playing time and should be ready to carry a full workload.
“He got enough practice time during training camp for them,” Reid said. “He's in good shape and he'll be fine. He knows what we're doing, that's not a problem.”
Everyone else on the team's injury report should be ready to play Sunday, Reid said. That includes defensive end Allen Bailey and linebacker Reggie Ragland, each of whom dealt with knee issues during training. Both players practiced in full this week.
Wide receiver Marcus Kemp (ankle) and defensive tackle Justin Hamilton (ankle) also should be available if needed Sunday after carrying full workloads in practice through the week.
The status of Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa remains up in the air. The third-year pass rusher was limited in practice this week with a foot injury.
