The Kansas City Chiefs will have their first practice of the week ahead of their Week 8 game against the New York Giants.
The contest occurs on “Monday Night Football” which means the Chiefs had an extra day off before getting started on practice this week. The extra day was good for players as they recover from the bumps and bruises suffered in the loss on Sunday.
Andy Reid provided his usual pre-practice update to reporters on Thursday, explaining that three players would miss practice for various reasons.
“Chris Jones is out for personal reasons,” Reid said. “Anthony Hitchens won’t practice today with a tricep contusion and Khalen Saunders’ knee swole up after the game. He won’t practice, but it looks like he’s doing pretty good here.”
Jones has been dealing with a wrist injury and dealt with a groin injury in the loss to the Titans. It’s good news that his absence from practice isn’t injury-related, but it’d also be better to see him practice. Reid added that he expects Jones back possibly Friday evening.
As for Hitchens, don’t expect him to play this week after the team protected LB Darius Harris on the practice squad for a second consecutive week. That signals Hitchens won’t be ready and that Harris will be elevated to the 53-man roster again. I’m not sure they’re in a rush to get Hitchens back on the field with the way Nick Bolton has played either.
Finally, Saunders is dealing with swelling in one of his knees. He’s been a bright spot and all-effort on the defensive line. Reid seemed to be optimistic that he was improving and could be back at practice soon.
