Chiefs Chiefs injury issues and question marks heading to camp

Chief Roundup · 07-23-2016, 01:35 PM

http://pro32.ap.org/article/chiefs-h...=1469289149099

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs might want to have Dr. James Andrews on speed dial.

Or better yet, fly him into training camp.

When the Chiefs begin their run-up to the regular season on the campus of Missouri Western the last week of July, they will do so with the biggest question marks involving the knees of some key players: running back Jamaal Charles, pass rusher Tamba Hali and star outside linebacker Justin Houston.

Charles had surgery on his right ACL early last season, Hali had a procedure to clean out his knees and Houston had surgery on his left ACL — performed by Andrews, the renowned orthopedic surgeon — in February.

How the three of them fare this season could be the difference between success and failure.

"The important thing with them," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, "is you don't rush it."

So Charles will be treated with velvet gloves during training camp, even though he participated in some of the offseason minicamps. Hali will also see limited reps. Houston is unlikely to practice until well into the regular season, though the Chiefs are optimistic he will make it onto the field at some point.

"He's where he needs to be right now," Reid said. "He's a hard worker, so he's bound and determined to get back. I've told you before, when you're around him, you have this optimism. I feel optimistic that he is going to be back in a short period of time, but in reality, it's going to take a little bit."

There are plenty of other pressing issues facing Kansas City this fall. Here are some of them:

RUNNING BACK COMMITTEE: The Chiefs survived without Charles last season thanks to the tandem of Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. Knile Davis is still on the roster, too. So one of the big questions facing Kansas City is whether there will be enough opportunities to go around.

"There's competition, but it's not competition individually," Ware said. "It's reflectively as a group, saying, 'Let's do our job and let's score touchdowns.'"

STAFF TURNOVER: Offensive coordinator Doug Pederson departed in the offseason to become head coach in Philadelphia, and Reid turned to a pair of trusted lieutenants to fill his role. Matt Nagy was promoted from quarterbacks coach to co-offensive coordinator and will be the voice in the helmet of quarterback Alex Smith, while Brad Childress became the other co-offensive coordinator after working on special projects.

"Matt's got a great mind, and obviously Andy's got a fertile mind," said Childress, who spent time with Reid in Philadelphia before a stint as Vikings head coach. "I'll be able to add to that."

BACKING UP ALEX: Chase Daniel was so dependable as the backup quarterback the past few years that he signed a big contract to do the same thing in Philadelphia. That leaves an opening for long-time scout squad member Tyler Bray, developmental QB Aaron Murray and rookie Kevin Hogan to earn an important job.

The Chiefs could also sign a veteran backup once cuts begin happening this fall, but the coaching staff sounds as if the trio will ultimately spit out Smith's understudy.

"We have a long way to go," said Murray, who enters camp at the head of the line. "This is what football is all about. It's about competition against other teams and your team, and that's what makes everyone better."

ROOKIE ROLES: The Chiefs stockpiled picks in the draft and now begin to see what they landed, starting with second-rounder Chris Jones, a defensive tackle who should slide into the rotation immediately.

The bigger questions lie in the defensive backfield and on special teams.

Third-round pick KeiVarae Russell, fourth-round choice Eric Murray and seventh-round selection D.J. White are all joining the cornerback fray, while speedy Tyreek Hill could emerge as the punt and kick returner.

WIDE RECEIVER: The seemingly ever-present question mark in Kansas City is: Who will catch passes this season? Jeremy Maclin gives the Chiefs a solid No. 1, but they've been searching for depth ever since Reid's arrival. They took fliers on Rod Streater and Mike Williams in free agency, drafted Hill and Demarcus Robinson, and still hope that Chris Conley and Albert Wilson can develop into go-to targets.

"They're kind of growing up before our eyes here," Reid said, "which is fun to watch."

So much for those that were saying that they thought Houston would mostly likely play or wouldn't be surprised if he played week 1. This makes it sound like it may be several weeks into the season before Houston even is able to practice let alone play in a game. Should we put him on PUP?????

staylor26 · 07-23-2016, 01:45 PM

That is obviously pure speculation from the author based on the previous reports. Nothing about Reid's comments says that.

Chief Roundup · 07-23-2016, 01:47 PM

Everything is speculation to a certain degree.
I think Reids comment of "I feel optimistic that he is going to be back in a short period of time, but in reality, it's going to take a little bit." is telling that he is not going to be available as early as we had all hoped.

**Bowser** · 07-23-2016, 01:48 PM

Reading that makes it sound like Houston is definitely headed towards PUP. Sucks, but I don't think this really comes as a shock to anyone.

With Houston on the shelf, pressure grows on our young secondary. I love Tamba, but man he's getting old and beat up, and without steady, constant pressure from our pass rushers, those kids are going to have a trial by fire back there. Hope they're up for it.

I'm really feeling good about our receivers this year. I think Streater might be just what we need opposite of Maclin, and I have high hopes for Robinson. If those guys produce early and often, I wouldn't be shocked to see Albert Wilson in the last group of cuts.

I'm intrigued by Nagy and Childress OC'ing (even though this is Andy's show) and what they provide differently than what Pederson did (if he provided much at all in the first place). It annoys me that they have such a complicated way of doing things when it comes to getting plays to Alex, though. Too many cooks stirring the pot.

Overall, I'm feeling a bit more anticipation this year than I have for some time.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-23-2016, 01:51 PM

There's no new information in this article. It's based on quotes from OTA's and minicamps.

Click bait.

staylor26 · 07-23-2016, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

Everything is speculation to a certain degree.
I think Reids comment of "I feel optimistic that he is going to be back in a short period of time, but in reality, it's going to take a little bit." is telling that he is not going to be available as early as we had all hoped.

That can be interpreted in many ways ("a little bit"). He said this back in camp/OTA's FYI. He still said he feels optimistic he will be back in a "short period of time". Well into the regular season isn't a short period of time in today's NFL with ACL tears.

Everybody was assuming the same exact shit about Poe and Berry this time last year. Chill out.

Chief Roundup · 07-23-2016, 01:53 PM

I don't recall seeing or hearing the bolded parts during OTAs or mini camps.

**Bowser** · 07-23-2016, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

There's no new information in this article. It's based on quotes from OTA's and minicamps.

Click bait.

You're not allowed to piss all over my barely contained enthusiasm for this season, McCloud. Even if the article was click bait tripe.

I CAN'T HEAR YOU

staylor26 · 07-23-2016, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

I don't recall seeing or hearing the bolded parts during OTAs or mini camps.

100%

Pay closer attention next time.

**DaneMcCloud** · 07-23-2016, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

I don't recall seeing or hearing the bolded parts during OTAs or mini camps.

Every one of these quotes are from OTA's and minicamps.

Don't you think that if Andy Reid had a press conference where he discussed the upcoming training camp that it would be on KCChiefs.com or the Star's website? Available audio?

It's rehashed. That's it.

Chief Roundup · 07-23-2016, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staylor26

That can be interpreted in many ways ("a little bit"). He said this back in camp/OTA's FYI. He still said he feels optimistic he will be back in a "short period of time". Well into the regular season isn't a short period of time in today's NFL.

Everybody was assuming the same exact shit about Poe and Berry this time last year. Chill out.

Why is that always your response to someone posting an article that shows there might be a chance that something doesn't work out the way we all hope that it will?
I am not upset or worried about it, it is just football. I am wondering if it is actually you that is overly worried and cannot handle the idea of him not being back week 1 or very early in the season.

Chief Roundup · 07-23-2016, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by staylor26

100%

Pay closer attention next time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Every one of these quotes are from OTA's and minicamps.

Don't you think that if Andy Reid had a press conference where he discussed the upcoming training camp that it would be on KCChiefs.com or the Star's website? Available audio?

It's rehashed. That's it.

Ok.....Must have missed it in one of the "mega" threads then.

staylor26 · 07-23-2016, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

Why is that always your response to someone posting an article that shows there might be a chance that something doesn't work out the way we all hope that it will?
I am not upset or worried about it, it is just football. I am wondering if it is actually you that is overly worried and cannot handle the idea of him not being back week 1 or very early in the season.

Shut the **** up and take your L.

**New World Order** · 07-23-2016, 02:37 PM

Reading about Houston's knee injury and Reid's optimism about his return makes me feel like it's December all over again.

milkman · 07-23-2016, 03:01 PM

I think some are being a bit over optimistic about the timeline for Houston's return.

Adrian Peterson returned just under 9 months after his surgery.

If Houston returned for game 1, that would only be 7 months.

Just don't think that's gonna happen.

Week 5 at best.

07-23-2016, 01:35 PM
Chief Roundup Admitted Planet Junky Join Date: Oct 2000 Casino cash: $1941627	Chiefs injury issues and question marks heading to camp http://pro32.ap.org/article/chiefs-h...=1469289149099 ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs might want to have Dr. James Andrews on speed dial. Or better yet, fly him into training camp. When the Chiefs begin their run-up to the regular season on the campus of Missouri Western the last week of July, they will do so with the biggest question marks involving the knees of some key players: running back Jamaal Charles, pass rusher Tamba Hali and star outside linebacker Justin Houston. Charles had surgery on his right ACL early last season, Hali had a procedure to clean out his knees and Houston had surgery on his left ACL — performed by Andrews, the renowned orthopedic surgeon — in February. How the three of them fare this season could be the difference between success and failure. "The important thing with them," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, "is you don't rush it." So Charles will be treated with velvet gloves during training camp, even though he participated in some of the offseason minicamps. Hali will also see limited reps. Houston is unlikely to practice until well into the regular season, though the Chiefs are optimistic he will make it onto the field at some point. "He's where he needs to be right now," Reid said. "He's a hard worker, so he's bound and determined to get back. I've told you before, when you're around him, you have this optimism. I feel optimistic that he is going to be back in a short period of time, but in reality, it's going to take a little bit." There are plenty of other pressing issues facing Kansas City this fall. Here are some of them: RUNNING BACK COMMITTEE: The Chiefs survived without Charles last season thanks to the tandem of Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. Knile Davis is still on the roster, too. So one of the big questions facing Kansas City is whether there will be enough opportunities to go around. "There's competition, but it's not competition individually," Ware said. "It's reflectively as a group, saying, 'Let's do our job and let's score touchdowns.'" STAFF TURNOVER: Offensive coordinator Doug Pederson departed in the offseason to become head coach in Philadelphia, and Reid turned to a pair of trusted lieutenants to fill his role. Matt Nagy was promoted from quarterbacks coach to co-offensive coordinator and will be the voice in the helmet of quarterback Alex Smith, while Brad Childress became the other co-offensive coordinator after working on special projects. "Matt's got a great mind, and obviously Andy's got a fertile mind," said Childress, who spent time with Reid in Philadelphia before a stint as Vikings head coach. "I'll be able to add to that." BACKING UP ALEX: Chase Daniel was so dependable as the backup quarterback the past few years that he signed a big contract to do the same thing in Philadelphia. That leaves an opening for long-time scout squad member Tyler Bray, developmental QB Aaron Murray and rookie Kevin Hogan to earn an important job. The Chiefs could also sign a veteran backup once cuts begin happening this fall, but the coaching staff sounds as if the trio will ultimately spit out Smith's understudy. "We have a long way to go," said Murray, who enters camp at the head of the line. "This is what football is all about. It's about competition against other teams and your team, and that's what makes everyone better." ROOKIE ROLES: The Chiefs stockpiled picks in the draft and now begin to see what they landed, starting with second-rounder Chris Jones, a defensive tackle who should slide into the rotation immediately. The bigger questions lie in the defensive backfield and on special teams. Third-round pick KeiVarae Russell, fourth-round choice Eric Murray and seventh-round selection D.J. White are all joining the cornerback fray, while speedy Tyreek Hill could emerge as the punt and kick returner. WIDE RECEIVER: The seemingly ever-present question mark in Kansas City is: Who will catch passes this season? Jeremy Maclin gives the Chiefs a solid No. 1, but they've been searching for depth ever since Reid's arrival. They took fliers on Rod Streater and Mike Williams in free agency, drafted Hill and Demarcus Robinson, and still hope that Chris Conley and Albert Wilson can develop into go-to targets. "They're kind of growing up before our eyes here," Reid said, "which is fun to watch." So much for those that were saying that they thought Houston would mostly likely play or wouldn't be surprised if he played week 1. This makes it sound like it may be several weeks into the season before Houston even is able to practice let alone play in a game. Should we put him on PUP?????
Posts: 19,219

07-23-2016, 01:45 PM	#2
staylor26 In Search of a Life Join Date: Oct 2007 Casino cash: $1669040	That is obviously pure speculation from the author based on the previous reports. Nothing about Reid's comments says that.
Posts: 48,667

07-23-2016, 01:47 PM	#3
Chief Roundup Admitted Planet Junky Join Date: Oct 2000 Casino cash: $1941627	Everything is speculation to a certain degree. I think Reids comment of "I feel optimistic that he is going to be back in a short period of time, but in reality, it's going to take a little bit." is telling that he is not going to be available as early as we had all hoped. __________________ Fanaticism is nowhere. There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
Posts: 19,219

07-23-2016, 01:48 PM	#4
Bowser sorta mod-ish Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: KC North Casino cash: $3341616	Reading that makes it sound like Houston is definitely headed towards PUP. Sucks, but I don't think this really comes as a shock to anyone. With Houston on the shelf, pressure grows on our young secondary. I love Tamba, but man he's getting old and beat up, and without steady, constant pressure from our pass rushers, those kids are going to have a trial by fire back there. Hope they're up for it. I'm really feeling good about our receivers this year. I think Streater might be just what we need opposite of Maclin, and I have high hopes for Robinson. If those guys produce early and often, I wouldn't be shocked to see Albert Wilson in the last group of cuts. I'm intrigued by Nagy and Childress OC'ing (even though this is Andy's show) and what they provide differently than what Pederson did (if he provided much at all in the first place). It annoys me that they have such a complicated way of doing things when it comes to getting plays to Alex, though. Too many cooks stirring the pot. Overall, I'm feeling a bit more anticipation this year than I have for some time.
Posts: 100,837

07-23-2016, 01:51 PM	#5
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	There's no new information in this article. It's based on quotes from OTA's and minicamps. Click bait.
Posts: 88,960

07-23-2016, 01:53 PM	#7
Chief Roundup Admitted Planet Junky Join Date: Oct 2000 Casino cash: $1941627	I don't recall seeing or hearing the bolded parts during OTAs or mini camps. __________________ Fanaticism is nowhere. There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
Posts: 19,219

07-23-2016, 02:37 PM	#14
New World Order Choco Favre Join Date: Jul 2012 Casino cash: $2554765	Reading about Houston's knee injury and Reid's optimism about his return makes me feel like it's December all over again.
Posts: 29,076

07-23-2016, 03:01 PM	#15
milkman Dumbass! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Leading the Marty bashing Casino cash: $10029395	I think some are being a bit over optimistic about the timeline for Houston's return. Adrian Peterson returned just under 9 months after his surgery. If Houston returned for game 1, that would only be 7 months. Just don't think that's gonna happen. Week 5 at best. __________________
Posts: 70,769