KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Running back Isiah Pacheco remains sidelined with a bruised shoulder as the Chiefs begin preparations to visit the New England Patriots in Week 15, but the club also delivered good news with linebacker Drue Tranquill taking a step forward in his return from the league’s concussion protocol.
“Pacheco is still working on that shoulder, and Donovan (Smith) with the next stingers, so those guys won’t go today,” head coach Andy Reid said before Wednesday’s practice. “Everybody else will be in there rolling.”
Pacheco and left tackle Smith were among the team’s inactive players in Sunday’s loss to Buffalo. Linebacker Leo Chenal and safety Mike Edwards were also out Wednesday due to illness according to Reid.
But Tranquill’s return to the field Wednesday was a positive sign for the linebacker as he moves he progresses from the concussion suffered in Week 13 against the Packers. The club did not specify in which stage Tranquill has reached in the league’s concussion protocol but participating in Wednesday’s practice is indicative of reaching at least stage four or five in which players can participate in non-contact drills and full football activity before receiving final clearance.
Wide receiver Justyn Ross, who completed his six-game suspension Monday, returned to practice Wednesday as well. The Chiefs have a temporary roster exemption for him, allowing Ross to practice with the club without being restored to the 53-player roster.
