KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs expect tight end Travis Kelce to be ready to go by the start of training camp, according to coach Andy Reid.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce looks back as he races for a touchdown on an 80-yard reception during the team’s 33-10 win over the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 25, 2016. (Photo by Mike Gunnoe, The Topeka-Capital Journal)
“There’s a pretty good chance he’ll be ready,” Reid said following the close of the team’s mandatory three-day minicamp.
Kelce underwent shoulder surgery following the season. Reid said in March he did not expect the tight end to participate in much if any of the team’s offseason program.
Linebacker Derrick Johnson also appears on track for a training camp return. Johnson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon Dec. 8 against the Oakland Raiders.
Johnson did not participate in any live drills during the third phase of the offseason program. Johnson did, however, take part in individual and team drills during the three-day minicamp this week.
The prognosis does not appear as promising for second-year offensive lineman Parker Ehinger. The second-year guard sustained a torn ACL Oct. 30 against the Indianapolis Colts.
“I think it will be a race for him to be ready to go,” Reid said. “I’m not counting on that.”
Reid noted only one injury during his post-camp press conference. He said linebacker D.J. Alexander tweaked his back, which kept him on the sidelines of this week’s minicamp.
Safety Eric Berry observed practice the last two days of minicamp with what Reid called a sore heel. The coach did not believe the injury a long-term issue.
Running back Spencer Ware (hamstring) and cornerback Kenneth Acker (groin) also sat out the last two practices of minicamp. A team spokesperson called both injuries slight. Cornerback Phillip Gaines also sat out with a sore knee.
Cornerback Steven Nelson observed practice Thursday from the sidelines. The team did not disclose the issue.
Veteran linebacker Tamba Hali attended all three days of minicamp and most of the voluntary OTA practices but did not participate. The team did not disclose any injury, but Hali sitting out practice remains a standard procedure for the team.
Linebacker Dadi Nicolas, who ruptured his patellar tendon in the season finale against San Diego, attended offseason workouts as an observer. The club has yet to disclose a potential timetable for his return.
———-
Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
———-
