Andy Reid Leaves Door Open for Tyreek Hill's Return to Chiefs vs. Texans
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Chiefs will face the Houston Texans Sunday without left tackle Eric Fisher and defensive tackle Chris Jones, but head coach Andy Reid didn't rule out the possibility that wide receiver Tyreek Hill could return to he lineup after missing four games with a shoulder injury.
“He did OK,” Reid said of Hill's work at practice during the week. “He did a little scout team and did a few plays with us on the offensive side. We'll see how it all rolls down the road here and make sure the docs and everybody are good with it.”
Hill was listed as a limited participant during practice this week and is listed as questionable for Sunday. The NFL Network reported Friday morning Hill could return to action if he test results on Friday show enough progress to give him clearance from the team's medical staff.
The Chiefs host the Texans on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, then turn around four days later to visit the Denver Broncos. Reid said the prospect of playing two games in quick succession wouldn't play a factor into Hill's availability this weekend.
“Listen, if you can go, you can go, as long as it's been cleared, then you get yourself ready for whatever next game there is,” Reid said. “But that's how we've always been. I don't get too much into that other part. If they can play, they can play and that's how you roll with it. Try not to make it more complicated than that.”
Hill's injury is one of many the Chiefs are navigating this week. The club ruled out for Sunday Fisher (groin), Jones (groin) and linebacker Dorian O'Daniel (hamstring). Wide receiver Sammy Watkins (hamstring) and left guard Andrew Wylie (ankle) are both doubtful. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens (groin) is questionable.
The likely absence of both Fisher and Wylie leave the Chiefs starting backups on the left side of the line. Reid said veteran lineman Stefen Wisniewski, who signed with the club as a free agent Monday, mixed in with the starters this week. He is one of the likely alternatives at left guard if needed. The fact that Wisniewski spent the past three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles in a similar offense appealed to the Chiefs.
“A smart guy for sure, picked it up fast,” Reid said of the prospect of Wisniewski starting at left guard. “He did the same thing like what I was saying with Tyreek, he played same scout team, then he worked in the rotation. (Offensive line coach) Andy (Heck) rotates all those guys in. He was able to get in there and didn't make a lot of mistakes. Tribute to his ability to learn and then he had a little bit of taste of this offense, so I think that helps also.”
Chiefs Injury Report
Out: LT Eric Fisher, DT Chris Jones and LB Dorian O'Daniel
Doubtful: WR Sammy Watkins and LG Andrew Wylie
Questionable: WR Tyreek Hill and LB Anthony Hitchens
Did not practice: LT Eric Fisher (groin), DT Chris Jones (groin) WR Sammy Watkins (hamstring), LG Andrew Wylie (ankle) and LB Dorian O'Daniel (hamstring)
Limited participation: WR Tyreek Hill (shoulder) and LB Anthony Hitchens (groin)
Full participation: QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle), OL Cam Erving (knee), RB LeSean McCoy (ankle), DE Alex Okafor (hip) and FB Anthony Sherman (shoulder)
Texans Injury Report
Out: C/G Greg Manza
Questionable: WR Kenny Stills (hamstring), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring) and RB Taiwan Jones (hip)
Did not practice: C/G Greg Mancz
Limited participation: WR Kenny Stills (hamstring), CB Johnathan Joseph (hamstring), RB Taiwan Jones (hip) and S Tashaun Gipson Sr.(wrist/hip)
Full participation: RB Carlos Hyde (shoulder/thigh), ILB Peter Kalambayi (hand) and S A.J. Moore Jr. (knee)
