The Kansas City Chiefs have one of their best special teams players set to return from injured reserve.
According to the NFL’s official transaction report, the Chiefs have designated WR Byron Pringle to return from injured reserve. Andy Reid indicated that Pringle had returned to practice during his Wednesday press conference, but this makes his return from injured reserve official. He now has three weeks, during which he can practice for the team. At any point during those three weeks, the team can decide to activate him to the 53-man roster from injured reserve.
We can assume, following the release of WR Marcus Kemp, that the Chiefs plan to activate Pringle this week barring any setbacks. Pringle suffered an ankle injury in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders and the injury ultimately landed him on injured reserve. Given the quick turnaround, it was likely a high ankle sprain.
Pringle has played in 10 games this season, including two starts for Kansas City. He has receptions for 108 yards on the season, but he recorded one of the most impressive plays of the year on special teams, returning a kick 102 yards for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in Week 7. He earned AFC Special Teams Play of the Week honors for that performance. It also helped him cement his role on the kick return unit.
In addition to handling kick returns, Pringle also plays gunner for the Chiefs on special teams. His versatility makes him a huge asset moving forward into the postseason.
