https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=PwgT9UPMvV-1094069-7498&format=json&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right&float=on
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a few injuries during the Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid gave his usual injury update to start his postgame press conference. He had updates on three injuries that occurred during the game, all on the defensive side of the ball. He started off with rookie linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who left early in the game and didn’t return.
“Alright, we had a couple of injuries,” Reid began. “Willie Gay has an ankle sprain.”
The rookie linebacker played just three snaps before suffering the sprained ankle. He couldn’t put any weight on it and hobbled to the bench on the sideline with help from the training staff. He was unable to return to the game and eventually was ruled out by the team.
The severity of the sprain will determine his recovery timeline. If it’s the more severe high ankle sprain, it’s possible that the rookie could return with a deep playoff run.
Next up, Reid had an update on CB DeAndre Baker, who suffered a scary leg injury during the game. The injury required immobilization and for him to be carted off the field.
“The tough one was DeAndre Baker,” Reid said. “His left femur was broken. He’s going to go through and the docs will do a great job of putting him back together. On that, my heart goes out to the kid. He’s really busted his tail and done a nice job for us. He’ll be able to come back from this, so that’s a positive as we go forward.”
Reid said that Baker was in a lot of pain when he was being carted off and told him to “hang in there.” He was proud of the progress that he made and still seems optimistic for his future, but this is obviously a huge setback as far as his health is concerned.
There was one more injury that didn’t pop up on broadcast, but it doesn’t seem to be as serious. Chiefs reserve corner and kick returner Rashad Fenton was banged up during the game.
“Then Fenton, really both ankles were getting him a bit toward the end there,” Reid said. “I thought he did a nice job battling through on that, he had a couple of real nice returns and some good pass coverage breakups.”
It doesn’t sound like this will be anything to keep Fenton out of the playoffs. He’s been crucial depth for this team at the cornerback position throughout the season, so it’s certainly worth monitoring as we move forward into the postseason.
[listicle id=84653]