Chiefs’ Phillip Gaines: ‘Ready to play some football’

Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines played 10 snaps in the third preseason contest and that was it for game action since he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee last September.

But as Sunday’s opener against the San Diego Chargers approaches, Gaines, who has been listed on the injury report this week as a full practice participant, declared himself fit to resume his career and play an important role on the defense.

“It’s special to be back, to be out there,” Gaines said. “You put in the hard work, and I’m to the point where I know I’m ready to play.”

A healthy and productive Gaines could answer a big question for the Chiefs, who are poised to start the same secondary as in last year’s opener with one exception. Safety Eric Berry didn’t start until the second game, but corners Gaines, Marcus Peters and safety Ron Parker appear set for Sunday.

Still, some uncertainty based on inexperience follows the cornerbacks into the season.

Gaines started the first two games in 2015 because Sean Smith was serving a suspension. By the time Smith returned, Gaines was lost for the season after he was injured at Green Bay in the third game.

Smith not only gave the Chiefs a veteran presence, opposing passing games tended to test Peters’ side, and Peters became the most targeted cornerback in the NFL last season.

Peters responded by tying for the league lead in interceptions. Smith has moved on to the Raiders, making Peters, in terms of games started, the team’s most experienced cornerback.

Gaines played 169 snaps last season. Second-year pro Steven Nelson played 62 and they are the second and third cornerbacks for a team that played more dime coverage than any NFL team in 2015.

After Gaines, Peters and Nelson, the cornerback depth is filled out by newcomers. Kenneth Acker, a second-year pro who started 13 games for the 49ers last season, was obtained on Aug. 27. The other corners are rookies KeiVarae Russell and D.J. White.

The depth chart makes Gaines a pivotal figure, a veteran who has flashed enough potential to have started games in each of his first two seasons.

“He’s getting back into it.” Peters said. “I’m excited to see him get out there. He’s been working hard to get on the field with us.”

Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton doesn’t think about the injury when evaluating Gaines’ progress.

“It’s his continued improvement each week, and I don’t mean from an injury standpoint,” Sutton said. “He’s feeling confident and fine there.

“I think he’s feeling more comfortable as a player and his reaction time is improving. That’s where I think he’s really making some strides.”

The Chiefs pass defense will get tested out of the gate. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has passed for more than 5,000 yards against the Chiefs in his career. Also, wide receiver Keenan Allen returns for San Diego.

Allen, the Chargers top wide receiver, has missed the last three games against the Chiefs because of injuries. As a rookie in 2013, Allen had a huge game against the Chiefs, nine receptions for 124 yards.

But two years ago, Gaines came up big against Allen, breaking up a possible touchdown reception.

Gaines isn’t fretting about getting up to game speed. The game in late August against the Bears isn’t the only time he’s played in pads in the preseason.

“A lot of people will see that but not focus on the practice time,” Gaines said. “We’ve been practicing for three months. I’m ready to play some football.”

This story was originally published September 9, 2016 at 4:52 PM with the headline "Chiefs’ Phillip Gaines: ‘Ready to play some football’."