Sep 14, 2014; Denver; Chiefs running back Cyrus Gray (32) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs didn’t escape Sunday’s physical matchup against the Buffalo Bills without wounded players.
The two big injuries are to running back Cyrus Gray, who suffered a torn ACL in the third quarter, and tight end Demetrius Harris, who fractured his foot during pregame warm-ups.
“He’s (Harris) obviously out this week as is Cyrus,” coach Andy Reid said Monday. “We haven’t made any moves or anything yet. (General manager John) Dorse(y) is going to do those, but we’ll get together on that later and get you that information.”
Barring a free-agent signing, the Chiefs have options on the practice squad to fill Gray’s and Harris’ roster spot in the event the players are placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Rookie running back Charcandrick West, whom the Chiefs signed as an undrafted free agent in May, spent organized team activities (OTAs) and training camp with Kansas City. He’s familiar with the scheme and can contribute on special teams.
The Chiefs could choose to elevate tight end Brandon Barden, a third-year pro out of Vanderbilt, from the practice squad to take Harris’ place.
Gray and Harris are key contributors on special teams, especially Gray, who serves as punter Dustin Colquitt’s personal protector and a lead blocker on kickoff returns.
“We’re going to have to ask people to step in,” Reid said. “We saw (rookie wide receiver Albert) Wilson step in for Cyrus yesterday (Sunday) and he did a nice job. Big shoes to fill. Next guy has to step in and go, likewise with Harris.”
Meanwhile, tight end Anthony Fasano is dealing with a knee contusion, but it doesn’t appear serious.
“It’s tender today,” Reid said, “but should be OK there.”
Reid said rookie cornerback Phillip Gaines, who logged 66 defensive snaps as a starter in Week 9, was dealing with an ankle injury.
Gaines didn’t log a defensive snap against the Buffalo Bills, but played on eight special teams plays.
“Gaines had an ankle sprain from the week before,” Reid explained. “That’s why Chris Owens took over during the game.”
Owens, who returned to action Sunday after missing three straight games with a knee injury, logged 56 snaps (77 percent) of the team’s 73 total plays on defense.
Reid said cornerback Jamell Fleming is still recovering from a hamstring injury suffered against the St. Louis Rams in Week 8.
Reid didn’t appear concerned with the rest of the roster, including running back Jamaal Charles, who suffered a stinger, and wide receiver Junior Hemingway, who dealt with a hip contusion.
“Really, everybody else if we had to practice today would be able to practice,” Reid said.
The Chiefs are off Tuesday before returning to the practice field Wednesday to prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 11.
