KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The sprained left foot of center Mitch Morse will keep the starting offensive lineman out of the Chiefs game this weekend on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Linebacker Justin Houston, who missed practiced Thursday with an illness, returned to the field for Friday’s final tune-up for the Chargers. Linebacker Dee Ford, who was limited in practice earlier this week with a shoulder injury, practiced in full for the second-straight day.
Morse went out of last week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter. Zach Fulton will start in his place. Fulton entering the starting lineup means the Chiefs need an additional active lineman Sunday. Cam Erving served as the backup swing tackle the first two weeks of the season. Interior lineman Jordan Devey, who can play both center and guard, is the likely candidate.
Two Chiefs player recovering from ACL injuries last season showed signs of returning to action soon. Linebacker Reggie Ragland practiced in full Thursday and Friday for the first time this season and could be active Sunday. Left guard Parker Ehinger worked out Friday in practice without a knee brace but is doubtful against the Chargers.
The Chargers have a few injuries that could slow them down Sunday. Running back Melvin Gordon was limited in practice late this week with a knee injury and is questionable. Starting right tackle Joe Barksdale left last week’s game with a foot injury and is also questionable. Starting center Spencer Pulley did not practice Wednesday with a knee injury but appears he will play.
Starting cornerback Jason Verrett will miss. Verrett is returning from a partially torn ACL that ended his season last year. He had an MRI last week on the knee that revealed no new damage.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
OUT: CB Jason Verrett and WR Mike Williams
DOUBTFUL: None
QUESTIONABLE: T Joe Barksdale, RB Melvin Gordon and LB Hayes Pullard
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: CB Jason Verrett (knee) and T Joe Barksdale (foot)
Limited participation: RB Melvin Gordon (knee), WR Mike Williams (back) and LB Hayes Pullard (knee)
Full participation: C Spencer Pulley (knee), Dontrelle Inman (groin), S Rayshawn Jenkins (shoulder) and G Kenny Wiggins (ankle)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OUT: C Mitch Morse
DOUBTFUL: LG Parker Ehinger
QUESTIONABLE: None
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: C Mitch Morse
Limited participation: LG Parker Ehinger (knee)
Full participation: LB Justin Houston (illness), LB Dee Ford (shoulder) and LB Reggie Ragland (knee)
———-
Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
———-