KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is questionable for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, but coach Andy Reid expects to have his All-Pro back available.
The Kansas City Chiefs practiced Oct. 21, 2016 at the team’s training complex ahead of their matchup against the New Orleans Saints. (Photo by Matt Derrick, ChiefsDigest.com).
“Jamaal’s knee had a little bit of swelling in it yesterday,” Reid said. “We’re just taking it down for today, but we think everything will be alright as we go.”
Cornerback Phillip Gaines also appears questionable Sunday. Gaines has also suffered from inflammation on this his surgically repaired knee early in the season. Both players continue their recovery from ACL surgery during the 2015 season.
Both players participated in practice in limited roles, suggest they will be available for Sunday’s game.
Linebacker Justin Houston finished his first week of practice with the team. Reid like what he saw so far, but there is no indication when the veteran will return to the active roster.
“He looked good,” Reid said. “We’re just taking it nice and easy so he can get acclimated, but he moved around pretty good.”
The Saints have their own share of injuries on both sides of the ball. The team’s beleaguered defensive backfield sustained another setback last week against Carolina with cornerback Sterling Moore leaving with an abdomen injury.
Cornerback Delvin Breaux (fibula) also remains out, along with key linebacker Dannell Ellerbe.
Defensive end starter Nick Fairley returned to practice Friday following the passing of his mother, but expects to play Sunday.
On the Saints offense, starting left tackle Terron Armsted hopes to play against the Chiefs Sunday after missing practice this week with a knee injury. Backup tackle Andrus Peat and running back Daniel Lasco will not play.
Friday’s injury report as released by the Chiefs:
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
OUT: CB Delvin Breaux, LB Dannell Ellerbe, CB Sterling Moore, T Andrus Peat, RB Daniel Lasco and LB Stephone Anthony
QUESTIONABLE:
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: CB Delvin Breaux (fibula), CB Sterling Moore (abdomen), T Andrus Peat (groin) and RB Daniel Lasco (hamstring) and Stephone Anthony (hamstring)
Limited participation: T Terron Armstead (knee), LB Dannell Ellerbe (quad) and DE Paul Kruger (back)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
OUT: None
QUESTIONABLE: CB Phillip Gaines and DE Paul Kruger
Practice report
Did not participate in practice: LB Tamba Hali (knee)
Limited participation: CB Phillip Gaines (knee)
Full participation: T Michell Schwartz (ankle), CB Kenneth Acker (shoulder) and OL Jordan Devey (ankle)
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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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