KANSAS CITY, Mo. — It appears the Chiefs must wait at least another week for the 2018 debut of Eric Berry, as the safety didn't practice on Friday and is listed as doutbful for Sunday's home-opener against the San Francisco 49ers.
The team also listed rookie linebacker Ben Niemann as doubtful. He returned to practice as a limited participant this week after suffering a hamstring strain in Week 1. The team listed running back Spencer Ware as questionable for the season opener, but head coach Andy Reid appeared hopeful he can go on Sunday.
"(He) didn't practice today, we just rested him on his knee," Reid said. "He should be good to go but we'll see how it goes the next day or so."
Five Chiefs that practiced with injuries during the week carry no game status designation, indicating they are expected to play. That group includes defensive end Chris Jones (groin), linebacker Reggie Ragland (shoulder/knee) and left guard Cam Erving (knee).
The 49ers have their own questions in the secondary heading into Sunday's game. Starting safety Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder) and starting cornerbacks Richard Sherman (heel) and Ahkello Witherspoon (ankle/hip) all appeared on the team's injury report this week. The club lists Tartt as questionable, but Sherman and Witherspoon expect to play after practicing in full on Friday.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said backups Antone Exum, Tyvis Powell and D.J. Reed all took reps this week in the event Tartt cannot play Sunday.
"That’s another area we’re working through to make sure we can put the best player forward," Shanahan said. "So, there’s three guys working in that spot while JT is not practicing."
But the 49ers do expect to get a big boost with the return of linebacker Reuben Foster. He served a two-game suspension for violations of the league's personal-conduct and substance-abuse policies.
"He’s got fresh legs," Shanahan said. "He looks fast. So, we’re excited to have him back. Love his energy."
Chiefs Injury Report
DOUBTFUL: S Eric Berry and LB Ben Niemann
QUESTIONABLE: RB Spencer Ware
Did not practice: S Eric Berry (heel)
Limited participation: RB Spencer Ware (knee) and LB Ben Niemann (hamstring)
Full participation: DE Chris Jones (groin), CB Kendall Fuller (thumb), LB Reggie Ragland (shoulder/knee), LG Cam Erving (knee), DL Jarvis Jenkins (elbow) and S Armani Watts (not injury related)
49ers Injury Report
OUT: OG Joshua Garnett
QUESTIONABLE: S Jaquiski Tartt and WR Marquise Goodwin
Did not practice: OG Joshua Garnet (toe)
Limited participation: S Jaquiski Tartt (shoulder), WR Marquise Goodwin (quad), OG Mike Person (foot) and TE Cole Wick (knee)
Full participation: LT Joe Staley (not injury related/veteran rest), CB Richard Sherman (heel) and CB Ahkello Witherspoon (ankle/hip)
