Chiefs Chiefs buzz: Flowers may play against Vikings

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-01-2011, 03:09 AM

Chiefs buzz: Flowers may play against Vikings

Flowers may play

The Chiefs were hopeful Friday that cornerback Brandon Flowers, one of their best defenders, might be able to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.

Flowers injured his ankle after an interception return last Sunday against the Chargers, and he told The Star after the game that he wasn’t sure whether his ankle was broken. X-rays were negative, and Flowers returned to the practice field Wednesday, albeit in a limited role.

Coach Todd Haley said Friday that Flowers’ participation would be a game-time decision.

Flowers was listed as questionable on the injury report after being limited in practice for the third consecutive day.

“I was encouraged, at least, with him being out there and actually moving around a little bit,” Haley said.

During the portion of practice that reporters were allowed to view, Flowers appeared to be running without trouble, and he participated in a drill in which he changed directions quickly.

Safety Jon McGraw also will be a game-time decision, Haley said. McGraw has a shin injury and was limited this week. He’s questionable to play against Minnesota.

“Both of them,” Haley said, “it’ll be round-the-clock treatment up until game time.”

Chiefs want Johnson to hold on

Coordinator Romeo Crennel said the Chiefs’ defenders spent extra time this week on drills designed to improve pass-catching ability.

A would-be interception bounced off the hands of linebacker Derrick Johnson on Sunday, and the Chargers took advantage of the second chance with a touchdown drive.

“Hopefully that will work,” Crennel said. “D.J. has a knack for getting to where the ball is, and … he doesn’t always catch them. Hopefully we can start catching them, and it will help this team if he can.”

Muir says offense didn’t change

Offensive coordinator Bill Muir told reporters Friday that the team’s game plan against the Chargers didn’t change at halftime, even though the offense’s putrid first half gave way to a promising second-half strategy.

Muir said the Chiefs were running many of the same plays, but the execution simply improved because of a “sense of urgency” by players and coaches.

“It was basically the same script,” he said.

Still, he said they opted for more high-risk plays, shelving the first-half strategy of mostly draws and screens, as San Diego began to pull away.

“Obviously as the game changes,” Muir said, “there are going to be times where you take, I don’t want to say chances, but you do open it up some.”

Injury report

Chiefs wide receiver Jon Baldwin was ruled out because of an injury to his right hand, further delaying the debut of the team’s top draft pick. Defensive lineman Brandon Bair is probable after suffering from an illness earlier in the week.

For the Vikings, linebacker E.J. Henderson (knee) and safety Jamarca Sanford (thigh) are questionable. Running back Adrian Peterson (calf), safety Tyrell Johnson (hip), tight end Jim Kleinsasser (elbow), cornerbacks Asher Allen (toe) and Chris Cook (groin) and defensive tackle Kevin Williams (foot) are probable.

10-01-2011, 03:09 AM	Topic Starter
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $692813	Chiefs buzz: Flowers may play against Vikings Chiefs buzz: Flowers may play against Vikings Flowers may play The Chiefs were hopeful Friday that cornerback Brandon Flowers, one of their best defenders, might be able to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. Flowers injured his ankle after an interception return last Sunday against the Chargers, and he told The Star after the game that he wasn’t sure whether his ankle was broken. X-rays were negative, and Flowers returned to the practice field Wednesday, albeit in a limited role. Coach Todd Haley said Friday that Flowers’ participation would be a game-time decision. Flowers was listed as questionable on the injury report after being limited in practice for the third consecutive day. “I was encouraged, at least, with him being out there and actually moving around a little bit,” Haley said. During the portion of practice that reporters were allowed to view, Flowers appeared to be running without trouble, and he participated in a drill in which he changed directions quickly. Safety Jon McGraw also will be a game-time decision, Haley said. McGraw has a shin injury and was limited this week. He’s questionable to play against Minnesota. “Both of them,” Haley said, “it’ll be round-the-clock treatment up until game time.” Chiefs want Johnson to hold on Coordinator Romeo Crennel said the Chiefs’ defenders spent extra time this week on drills designed to improve pass-catching ability. A would-be interception bounced off the hands of linebacker Derrick Johnson on Sunday, and the Chargers took advantage of the second chance with a touchdown drive. “Hopefully that will work,” Crennel said. “D.J. has a knack for getting to where the ball is, and … he doesn’t always catch them. Hopefully we can start catching them, and it will help this team if he can.” Muir says offense didn’t change Offensive coordinator Bill Muir told reporters Friday that the team’s game plan against the Chargers didn’t change at halftime, even though the offense’s putrid first half gave way to a promising second-half strategy. Muir said the Chiefs were running many of the same plays, but the execution simply improved because of a “sense of urgency” by players and coaches. “It was basically the same script,” he said. Still, he said they opted for more high-risk plays, shelving the first-half strategy of mostly draws and screens, as San Diego began to pull away. “Obviously as the game changes,” Muir said, “there are going to be times where you take, I don’t want to say chances, but you do open it up some.” Injury report Chiefs wide receiver Jon Baldwin was ruled out because of an injury to his right hand, further delaying the debut of the team’s top draft pick. Defensive lineman Brandon Bair is probable after suffering from an illness earlier in the week. For the Vikings, linebacker E.J. Henderson (knee) and safety Jamarca Sanford (thigh) are questionable. Running back Adrian Peterson (calf), safety Tyrell Johnson (hip), tight end Jim Kleinsasser (elbow), cornerbacks Asher Allen (toe) and Chris Cook (groin) and defensive tackle Kevin Williams (foot) are probable.
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