KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs coach Andy Reid offered numerous injury updates during Monday’s media session.
The two headlining the list account for 20 of the team’s 37 sacks, outside linebackers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali, both of whom were injured Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.
Oct 13, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (left) celebrates with outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) after a sack against the Oakland Raiders in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 24-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Reid said Hali, who was on crutches Sunday, has a “slight ankle sprain.”
“He did have an MRI on it and that’s what it is, it’s a slight ankle sprain,” Reid said. “He’ll continue to work this week. He was moving around a lot better today than he was after the game yesterday.”
Reid adds a determination on Hali practicing Wednesday will depend on his recovery.
“We’ll just see how he does,” Reid said. “He made big improvements from yesterday, but we’ll just see how he does.”
Reid adds Hali walked in the pool and walked with one crutch Monday.
While the Chiefs head coach offered what appears to be good news on Hali, the status surrounding Houston appears murky.
Reid said Houston subluxed his right elbow, which means it was dislocated, and the current swelling didn’t allow for an MRI.
“We weren’t able to do the MRI, he’s got quite a bit of swelling,” Reid said. “They weren’t able to get him in the position that they wanted to, to do the MRI, so we’ll wait a day or so to get the swelling down, and then go from there.”
The Chiefs host the Denver Broncos in Week 13, and if Hali and Houston aren’t available, linebackers Frank Zombo and Dezman Moses could get the call.
Meanwhile, another injury from Sunday’s loss to the Chargers reared its head during Reid’s presser.
Starting left guard Jeff Allen is dealing with a groin strain, Reid announced. However, Allen was able to finish the game.
Reid said defensive end Mike DeVito (knee), right tackle Eric Fisher and right guard Jon Asamoah, all of whom were inactive in Week 12, are making progress.
Notes: Reid said he still has confidence in his team … “My trust level hasn’t decreased a bit in the guys on either side of the ball,” Reid said. “The main point is we need to continue to get better”… Reid said the sideline encounter with Chargers quarters Philip Rivers was “all in good competition,” adding “he (Rivers) made me feel younger again.”
