Three Injured Chiefs Take Major Step Toward Return at Monday's Practice
By Joe Summers
The Chiefs got excellent injury updates on a trio of key players at Monday's practice, with LB Nick Bolton, S Justin Reid, and WR Kadarius Toney all returning to work.
Hollywood Brown's injury notwithstanding, this is a great sign that Kansas City will have most of its key players on the field when they host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1 on September 5. Reid's injury, in particular, was concerning with fear it'd linger into the regular season, so seeing him back at work is a welcome surprise for fans.
Bolton is the defense's vocal leader, while Toney is battling for a roster spot. All three players could have significant roles, especially if Brown misses significant time, making their returns important.
Chiefs News: Nick Bolton, Justin Reid, and Kadarius Toney Return to Practice
Chiefs attendance as they return to practice Monday
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 12, 2024
Absent: Hollywood Brown, Bryan Cook, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, McKade Mettauer, BJ Thompson
Here without helmet: Jaaron Hayek, Chris Jones, Wanya Morris, Charles Omenihu
Return to work: Nick Bolton, Justin Reid, Kadarius Toney
It's no secret that the Chiefs have an extremely difficult beginning of the schedule. They take on the Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, and Chargers in consecutive weeks, likely the toughest opening stretch for any team in the league.
Having Bolton and Reid on the field is crucial to slow down those high-powered offenses, and Toney could be thrust into action should Brown miss time or Rashee Rice given a suspension.
Chiefs S Justin Reid coming down in a helmet this morning. It’s a non-padded practice but this would suggest he’s off the NFI list and passed his physical. pic.twitter.com/C3lNkhTS8z
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) August 12, 2024
The coaching staff intended for Reid to handle kickoffs under the new rule, though the injury likely eliminates that duty.
All three of these players are in the final year of their respective contracts, all trying to earn extensions. They have to be on the field to prove their value, and it looks like they'll be able to play in Week 1.
Despite dealing with numerous injuries throughout training camp, Kansas City should be mostly healthy barring any new developments. Injuries feel like the only thing that could derail the three-peat bid, so seeing these guys return to practice is great news for Chiefs Kingdom.
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