Chiefs place sidelined defensive end Mike Catapano on injured reserve
On Thursday, Chiefs coach Andy Reid explained the reasons for moving defensive end Mike Catapano, who has been out for a month with a mysterious illness, from the reserve/non-football illness list to injured reserve this week.
Well, sort of.
“I think that’s where we’re at,” Reid said. “What he went through, that was a long process. So it’s better that he just steps back, gets himself back healthy and feeling good and then we go from there.”
The last time Catapano, a seventh-round pick in 2013, practiced was during training camp in St. Joseph. By moving him to injured reserve, it assures he will not play this season.
Reid, who has mentioned in the past that Catapano has had specialists look at him, declined to say whether a diagnosis has been made.
“I’m not even prepared to tell you anything on that,” Reid said.
All that Reid has revealed about Catapano’s illness is that he does not have flu-like symptoms.
“He’s had a million different tests done,” Reid said. “I’m not trying to (not tell) you. ... There have been a million things done on him, just to try to find out what the answer is.”
Catapano, however, was spotted entering the Chiefs’ locker room on Thursday. He did not speak, but Reid said Catapano is doing better.
“Mike is back around here and he’s just trying to get his strength back,” Reid said. “I think he’s starting to feel better. I had a chance to visit with him and he’s in good spirits. That’s a positive. Now it’s just a matter of building back up and getting himself back to where he gets his strength back.”
Injury report
Reid said safety Eric Berry, who did not practice Thursday, has a high ankle sprain. Running backs Jamaal Charles (ankle), De’Anthony Thomas (hamstring) and Joe McKnight (hamstring) were limited participants. Cornerback Sean Smith (groin) and outside linebacker Tamba Hali (ankle/knee) were also limited.
To reach Terez A. Paylor, call 816-234-4489 or send email to tpaylor@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter at @TerezPaylor.
This story was originally published September 25, 2014 at 1:21 PM with the headline "Chiefs place sidelined defensive end Mike Catapano on injured reserve."