KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs were without two defensive players Wednesday afternoon in preparation for Week 6’s game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Oct. 14, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs linebacker Josh Mauga (90) observes teammates during practice at the team’s training facility. (Credit: Teope)
Starting inside linebacker Josh Mauga (groin, Achilles) was on the field in a baseball cap observing teammates during the portion open to the media, but was not in pads and is officially listed as not practicing.
“He’s getting better,” coach Andy Reid said, “but he’s still not ready to go.”
Mauga did not play in Week 5 after suffering the injury the previous week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rookie Ramik Wilson would continue to fill in if Mauga can’t play Sunday.
Defensive tackle Dontari Poe also did not practice, but his absence on the field wasn’t a surprise when considering Reid revealed the nature of Poe’s injury after the morning walkthrough.
“Dontari Poe has a high-ankle sprain,” Reid said. “Somewhere in the third quarter (in Week 5 against the Chicago Bears). He really didn’t feel anything until he woke up (Monday morning), and then he came in for treatment.”
Starting tight end Travis Kelce (groin, thumb), backup rookie tight end James O’Shaughnessy (hand) and cornerback Jamell Fleming (elbow) practiced fully.
Of note on the report, the Chiefs no longer list second-year wide receiver Albert Wilson, who has been inactive the past two games with a shoulder injury.
The Vikings list six players on the injury report, including starting wide receivers Mike Wallace and Charles Johnson.
Wallace did not practice with a knee injury, while Johnson (rib) practiced in a limited fashion.
Wednesday’s official NFL Injury Report as released by the Chiefs:
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: LB Josh Mauga (groin, Achilles), DT Dontari Poe (ankle)
Full participation: CB Jamell Fleming (elbow), TE Travis Kelce (groin, thumb), TE James O’Shaughnessy (hand)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
Did not participate in practice: DE Justin Trattou (foot), WR Mike Wallace (knee)
Limited participation: WR Charles Johnson (rib), S Andrew Sendejo (knee)
Full participation: CB Jabari Price (shoulder), WR Jarius Wright (shoulder)
———-
Herbie Teope is the lead Chiefs beat writer for ChiefsDigest.com and The Topeka Capital-Journal. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @HerbieTeope.
———-
