Oct. 4, 2015; Cincinnati; Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs the ball in the second half against the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (knee) and outside linebacker Justin Houston (knee) led a quartet of players recovering from injuries to not practice Tuesday.
Outside linebacker Tamba Hali (knee) and wide receiver Mike Williams (hamstring) joined the duo as not participating on the first day of organized team activities (OTAs).
But the players were at the team’s training facility.
“They’re all here,” Reid said. “They all worked out rehabbing and they’re all making progress, which is a positive thing.”
Reid seemed especially encouraged by Charles, who returns from surgery on his right anterior cruciate ligament, and projected the running back to be ready for training camp.
“Jamaal is doing fantastic, too,” Reid said. “I think you’ll see him by camp.”
Reid also appeared to have positive expectations for Houston, who underwent a procedure on his left ACL in February.
“Whenever he’s ready, he’s back and we roll from there” Reid said. “We’re all optimistic because he’s so optimistic.”
Rookie cornerback Vernon Harris, an undrafted free agent out of Dartmouth, was not present Tuesday because of the NCAA quarters system.
Dartmouth’s commencement is scheduled for June 12, meaning Harris will miss all of OTAs, but be back for the mandatory minicamp on June 14-16.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs welcomed back a pair of players who underwent knee procedures last year.
Cornerback Phillip Gaines, who returns from ACL surgery, and inside linebacker Justin March, who had microfracture knee surgery, were on the practice field and participated in individual and position drills. Gaines wore a protective sleeve on his left knee.
Both players, however, did not work out in the team-related drills.
Nevertheless, Reid was pleased to have Gaines, who should compete for a starting job at right cornerback, on the field.
“It was good to get him back out there,” Reid said.
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Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for The Topeka Capital-Journal and ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
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