KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thanksgiving brought some good news for the Kansas City Chiefs with defensive tackle Dontari Poe returning to practice, increasing the likelihood he anchors the defensive line Sunday night against the Denver Broncos.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe prepares to line up during the Chiefs 27-21 win over the New Orleans Saints. Sunday, October 23, 2016 in Kansas City, Mo. (Nick Tre. Smith/Special to The Topeka Capital-Journal)
Linebacker Derrick Johnson also returned to practice Thursday. The veteran had been limited in recent weeks with a hamstring injury, but appeared Wednesday’s injury report with an Achilles injury. Charcandrick West practiced for the first time since entering the league’s concussion protocol following Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.
Cornerback Steven Nelson, however, joined the injured ranks on the sideline with what the team listed as a neck injury. He appeared on the practice field in a hoodie without a helmet and pads. Marcus Peters, returning from a hip pointer that kept him out of Sunday’s game, practiced for the second day in a row.
Two defensive starters, however, remained out of practice. Linebacker Dee Ford (hamstring) and defensive lineman Jaye Howard (hip) did not appear on the field. Ford left Sunday’s game at halftime, while Howard missed his second-straight game.
Denver center Matt Paradis (hips) and long snapper Casey Kreiter (calf) did not practice for the Broncos. Three defensive starters remained limited in practice: cornerback Aqib Talib (low back), safety T.J. Ward (hamstring) and defensive end Derek Wolfe (elbow).
DENVER BRONCOS
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: LS Casey Kreiter (calf) and C Matt Paradis (hips)
Limited participation: CB Aqib Talib (low back), S T.J. Ward (hamstring) and DE Derek Wolf (elbow)
Full participation: QB Trevor Siemian (left shoulder), FB Andy Janovich (hand) and DE Billy Winn (hip)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: LB Dee Ford (hamstring), DL Jaye Howard (hip), WR Jeremy Maclin (groin), CB Steven Nelson (neck) and DE Kendall Reyes (knee)
Limited participation: CB Marcus Peters (hip), LB Tamba Hali (knee) and DT Dontari Poe (back)
Full participation: LB Derrick Johnson (Achilles) and RB Charcandrick West (concussion)
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Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and the Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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