Chiefs Camp Day 12: Jamaal Charles Gives Us A Scare
The Chiefs returned to the practice field early Monday morning, and the biggest news of the day was the injury to pro bowl running back, Jamaal Charles.
He sustained the injury early during team drills. Charles walked himself to the trainers tent where they examined his right foot, then was later carted off to take x-rays. The results came back negative, which is great news for the Chiefs. However, the severity of the injury hasn’t fully been reported and we can only hope that it doesn’t linger for Charles going into the season. Hopefully, Charles can make a speedy and full recovery.
Jul 28, 2013; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back
Jamaal Charles(25) carries the ball during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
According to Reid Ferrin of KCCHiefs.com, quarterback Alex Smith and the rest of the offense bounced back after Sunday’s tough practice.
"“It was a good day to get back on track,” Smith said.“Yesterday was kind of a down day, after the day off and the game; I felt like the tempo wasn’t there and the execution wasn’t there, but I thought guys responded really great today, especially with the red zone.”"
Smith unofficially went 13 of 21 and threw 9 touchdowns. Once again, two of his tight ends received majority of the love. Anthony Fasano, and Tony Moeaki both caught three during red zone drills. Dwayne Bowe, and Jonathan Baldwin both dropped passes, but Bowe bounced back quickly by catching a touchdown a few plays later. Baldwin, however, wasn’t able to yield the same results after dropping another potential touch down later during the practice.
It most likely won’t happen, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Baldwin doesn’t end up making the team. He will most likely make the team because it would cost the Chiefs more to cut him than to just keep him on the roster and try to get something, ANYTHING out of him.
Baldwin has all the tools, but can’t seem to hit any sort of stride or gain any momentum. Hopefully he can turn a corner soon.
The defense built off their dominating day from Sunday. Linebacker Justin Houston tipped a pass from Alex Smith that was intercepted by nose tackle, Dontari Poe.
Poe’s play was impressive on Friday night in New Orleans. The Saints interior offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, and Poe was driving them back on several of the snaps he played. On a third down, Poe was able to apply pressure on quarterback Drew Brees, forcing an incomplete pass.
If Poe can become that kind of force for the Chiefs, the defense will improve tremendously. Poe spoke about his interception today after practice:
May 24, 2012; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle
Dontari Poe(92) and offensive lineman
Rodney Hudson(61) scrimmage during organized team activities at the Kansas City Chiefs practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
"“I was just running to the ball,” Poe said. “Good things happen when you do what you’re supposed to do; it got batted up and it came my way.”"
I’m excited to watch this defense play. It’s filled with talent, and all the players seem eager and hungry to be dominant.
The Chiefs return to practice Tuesday morning at 8:15 AM. This is their final week in St. Joseph, MO and will take the field this Friday night at home against the San Francisco 49ers. Don’t expect Jamaal Charles to play, and don’t be surprised if they shut him down for the rest of the remaining preseason games.
Let’s hope that the injury bug doesn’t strike the Chiefs again.