Chiefs’ Steven Nelson can now begin having the big season he envisioned

With a fumble return for a touchdown and interception, Marcus Peters made the most noise among Chiefs cornerbacks in their 29-19 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday.

But Peters’ play wasn’t the only major development for the position group.

For the first time this season, Steven Nelson played.

Also, starting for the first time and getting his most extensive playing time this season was Kenneth Acker, who like Peters took all 73 defensive snaps and came away with his first interception during his two years in Kansas City.

The personnel moves came at the expense of Terrance Mitchell and Philip Gaines. Mitchell didn’t see any action and Gaines played only on special teams.

What does mean for the Chiefs heading into Sunday’s game at Dallas?

Based on Andy Reid’s responses on Tuesday, Nelson looks he’ll maintain his role.

“He did a nice job, made some nice plays early and didn’t have a ton of opportunity after that,” Reid said. “He brought some energy there, too. He was fresh and a live wire out there.”

Nelson, activated on Monday after missing the first seven games to recover from core muscle surgery, entered on the game’s second play and was in on 53 defensive snaps as a slot corner.

As for the right cornerback opposite Peters, it appears more wait-and-see. Mitchell had started every game until Monday.

“Sometimes you can take a step back to take a step forward,” Reid said.

As for Acker, who had played 14 defensive snaps this season before Monday, Reid said the third-year pro “did some nice things. He’s got a few things he needs to work on.”

The return of Nelson was a welcome site for the Chiefs. He started last season and looked to build on a solid year.

“I had very high expectations coming into the season,” Nelson said. “I worked my tail off during (offseason activites) and all the offseason. For something to happen like this (injury), it was mind-blowing.

“But I kept the faith.”

Nelson, a third-year pro, turned in four tackles and a pass deflection on a night it felt good just to be on the field.

“It was emotional for me,” Nelson said. “Just being back out there. I’ve never been hurt before. This was crushing,”

He and Acker were part of the most opportunistic game of the season for Chiefs, who recorded five takeaways. In addition to Peters’ two and Acker’s pick, safety Ron Parker came up with an interception and D’Anthony Thomas recovered a muffed punt.

On a night when the Chiefs offense produced one touchdown and five Harrison Butker field goals and committed its first turnovers since the opening game, the Chiefs needed the big-play production.

“We have to keep playing that way,” Nelson said.

And the Chiefs will be going forward with Nelson, who waited nearly a half-year to get on the field.

This story was originally published October 31, 2017 at 12:47 AM with the headline "Chiefs’ Steven Nelson can now begin having the big season he envisioned."