KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay returned to practice on Thursday in a limited role but his availability for Sunday’s game in Germany against the Miami Dolphins remains unclear.
With Nick Bolton already on injured reserve, the Chiefs could be down two starting linebackers against the Dolphins. Both defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and special teams coordinator Dave Toub expressed doubts Thursday about Gay’s health and availability.
“We’re not sure Willie’s out right now and Nick we know is not going to play,” Spagnuolo said. “We’re just gonna have to rely on the guys we put in there.”
Gay left Sunday’s game against Denver with what the club initially called a tailbone injury but now describes as a lower back contusion.
The Chiefs signed veteran linebacker Darius Harris to the active roster on Tuesday, which Toub said was a necessary move. Harris spent the past four seasons with the Chiefs, playing 28 games with six starts. He also played 178 special teams snaps for the Chiefs last season in 17 regular-season games.
“With losing Bolton and now Willie Gay, we needed a guy,” Toub said. “We definitely needed to get a linebacker in the building, and he’s a guy that knows us. He’s smart. He knows what we do. And I trust him on special teams to be a player for us so we can plug him right in.”
On Wednesday head coach Andy Reid said he didn’t believe Gay would require a stint on injured reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games.
“I don’t think so, but we’ll see,” Reid said. “I don’t want to give you a yea or nay, but he’s making progress right now, which is a good thing. I don’t think it’s that though.”
Townsend, McKinnon Return
Punter Tommy Townsend was a full participant Thursday after a hand injury limited him on Friday. Townsend had a bandage on his right hand but did not appear to have any problems holding kicks for Harrison Butker during the portion of practice open to the media.
Running back Jerick McKinnon took a day off on Wednesday to provide rest to his sore groin but returned Thursday in a limited role.
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire did not practice Thursday due to an illness, and as a result, did not travel with the club to Germany Thursday night. He will not play against the Dolphins on Sunday.
Richie James was a full participant on Thursday but remains on injured reserve. The Chiefs have a spot open on the active roster. They have until 3 p.m. central time Saturday to add James to the active roster if they plan for him to play against Miami.
Chiefs Injury Report
Did not practice: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness)
Limited participation: RB Jerick McKinnon (groin) and LB Willie Gay (lower back)
Full participation: QB Patrick Mahomes (left hand), CB L’Jarius Sneed (knee), WR Justin Watson (elbow), P Tommy Townsend (hand), WR Skyy Moore (heel), WR Kadarius Toney (ankle), S Mike Edwards (elbow) and WR Richie James (IR-knee)
Dolphins Injury Report
Did not practice: RG Rob Hunt (hamstring) and S Brandon Jones (concussion)
Limited participation: RB Raheem Mostert (ankle), WR Braxton Berrios (hamstring), TE Durham Smythe (ankle), C Connor Williams (groin), CB Xavien Howard (groin), CB Jalen Ramsey (knee), CB Justin Bethel (foot), CB Nik Needham (Achilles), LT Terron Armstead (IR-knee) and WR River Cracraft (IR-shoulder)
Full participation: RB Alec Ingold (foot) and WR Jaylen Waddle (hamstring)
