Sep 14, 2014; Charlotte, NC; Then-Panthers wide receiver Jason Avant (81) against the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Recently signed wide receiver Jason Avant is set for make his debut in a Chiefs uniform for Week 13’s showdown against the Denver Broncos.
Of course, how much time Avant sees on the field Sunday night depends on how much he’s absorbed since arriving last week.
“He’s been working like crazy trying to learn it,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Friday. “Most of it, I think, he has a pretty good grasp on. He’ll be in a position where he’s ready to play. We will just have to see how things go from there as far as play time.”
While Avant isn’t sure what role he’ll play, the ninth-year pro has an advantage from being in the system for seven seasons in Philadelphia with Reid and assistant head coach/wide receivers coach David Culley.
“I kind of know what I’m doing,” Avant said. “Coach Culley has been doing a great job with me, so I’m pretty confident I’ll know what to do.”
The Chiefs could use Avant at full speed if he’s ready, especially with Donnie Avery (groin, probable) expected to return to his spot at split end.
Normal slot receiver Junior Hemingway has been ruled out with a concussion, which would put Avant at a position he’s comfortable playing.
Kansas City could feature a three-receiver set with Avery, Avant and Dwayne Bowe in Week 13, arguably the best seasoned trio of wide receivers the Chiefs have had this season.
Avant has been in numerous big games throughout his career and jumps right into the fire against an AFC West rival. And given his experience, Avant said the Chiefs locker room has been focused throughout the week during game preparations.
“We know that Denver is a very good team and we’ll by hyped and pumped to play this game,” Avant said. “We’re going to go out and put our best foot forward, make sure we do the best we can to win this game. We’re looking forward to executing our game plan. We do that, everything will be fine.”
BERRY UPDATE
Strong safety Eric Berry is currently in Atlanta at Emory University Hospital undergoing tests for possible lymphoma.
While the Chiefs didn’t have a medical update, Reid offered well-being information.
“Eric is doing well,” Reid said. “He went over to his grandmother’s yesterday (for Thanksgiving) and ate before they give him anything or any treatment so that he can’t eat. He made sure he took care of business yesterday.”
Reid said the doctors are working on a report, but didn’t know when it would be released.
“I’m not sure about the timeframe on that but they’ve done the studies and they have to go through and analyze the material, or whatever information they gained,” Reid said. “We will see, you will know though, we aren’t going to hide it from you.”
