As I traveled across the country to prepare for my visit to the Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp, there was potential major news surrounding the team Monday.
Star running back Jamaal Charles walked off the field during practice and then took a cart ride. After practice, Kansas City coach Andy Reid said X-rays were negative and Charles has a foot strain. Reid said it was possible that Charles can return to action in the coming days.
Later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that while the team is hopeful Charles will be fine, there are some people close to the situation that are worried. Sometimes foot injuries can be serious even if X-rays are negative. ESPN’s Ed Werder tweeted that the team is still hopeful Charles will be fine.
It will certainly be a major issue to monitor this week.
Needless to say if Charles’ injury is lingering, it will be a crushing blow to the Chiefs, who have had a pretty smooth summer to this point. Reid showed what Charles will mean to his offense in the preseason opener when Charles touched the ball in eight of the 14 plays the Kansas City first-team offense was on the field.
Rookie Knile Davis would likely be the starter if Charles’ injury is more serious than currently believed.
Meanwhile, rookie right tackle Eric Fisher was back on the practice field Monday for the first team since the Chiefs played at New Orleans on Friday night. He has been dealing with shoulder and thumb issues.
Also, Schefter reported former Jets linebacker Bart Scott is healthy and could sign with a team soon. Early in the offseason, we looked at why Scott could fit with the Chiefs, starting with his former position coach, Bob Sutton, being the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator. The Chiefs have since drafted rookie Nico Johnson. But if Kansas City wants depth at the spot, Scott could be considered.
