The Kansas City Chiefs might be without a key contributor along the offensive line as they face the Oakland Raiders this afternoon.
Starting left tackle Eric Fisher injured his groin during Friday’s practice session. It wasn’t made clear by Andy Reid following practice how severe the injury was, just that it occurred.
“I’m just going to see how it checks out,” Reid said following practice. It appears the team now knows the prognosis.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Fisher is “a long-shot” to play against the Raiders in Week 2. The fact that he has any chance to play is a good sign long term, but his absence in the interim could really hurt the Chiefs. It’s been 20 consecutive games since Fisher has missed a start for the team. Fans already felt Mahomes was getting hit too many times against the Jaguars in Week 1. With a backup tackle likely, it seems that Mahomes will be faced with some pressure again.
If the Chiefs’ depth chart reads true, Cameron Erving would be the next man up in Fisher’s absence. Erving had 13 starts at the left guard position for the Chiefs in 2018 with 14 total appearances. For the most part, he filled in well for the Chiefs. However, he accumulated 12 total penalties over the course of the season. That number tied for the second-most penalties in the NFL by an offensive lineman.
We’ll have to see what happens during pregame warm-ups, but all signs are pointing to Erving getting his first start of the season. Whoever ends up playing will likely face Raiders rookie defensive end, Clelin Ferrell. They’ll have their hands full fending Ferrell off and keeping Mahomes’ blindside clean.
