The Kansas City Chiefs defensive front seven received a boost with defensive tackle Dontari Poe and linebackers Justin Houston and Dee Ford active for Sunday’s meeting at the Atlanta Falcons.
Dec. 13, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs linebackers Dee Ford (55) and Tamba Hali (91) celebrate after Ford sacked San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers at Arrowhead Stadium. (Emily DeShazer/The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Poe sat out practice most of the week with continuing back spasms. Ford missed last week’s game against Denver with a hamstring injury, while Houston sustained a shoulder injury during the game. That injury limited him in practice this past week.
However, the Chiefs secondary will not have the services of cornerback Phillip Gaines. Gaines continues battle issues with his surgically repaired knee. He practiced as usually during the week, but the team downgraded his status to questionable on Saturday before placing him on the in active list.
Also inactive is running back Knile Davis. That means the team plans to go with just backs Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West along with fullback Anthony Sherman in the backfield.
Davis’ absence likely means an increased workload for De’Anthony Thomas. Thomas appeared with Davis on kick return duty last week. The Chiefs recently moved rookie Tyreek Hill from kickoff returns as his snap count on offense increased.
The team already declared wide receiver Jeremy Maclin inactive Saturday.
ATLANTA FALCONS INACTIVES
LB Adrian Clayborn, Sharrod Neasman, RB Terron Ward, CB Deji Olatoye, CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson, OL Trevor Robinson and OL Wes Schweitzer
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS INACTIVES
WR Jeremy Maclin, CB Phillip Gaines, RB Knile Davis, LB Dadi Nicolas, QB Tyler Bray, TE Ross Travis and OL Mike Person
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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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