Chiefs’ Charvarius Ward among trio of players to not practice Wednesday
The Chiefs’ initial practice report didn’t carry surprises ahead of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward (hand), defensive end Alex Okafor (hamstring) and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders were officially listed as not participating in practice Wednesday. The designations arrived hours after Chiefs coach Andy Reid said the trio would not be on the field.
Ward fractured his hand in the season-opening win and his status will be closely monitored leading to Sunday’s game. Earlier in the week, Reid said the starting cornerback would be evaluated before determining if he would play in Week 2 before repeating the stance Wednesday.
“We’ll just have to see how that goes,” Reid said.
If Ward can’t play, the Chiefs are likely to lean on Rashad Fenton, Antonio Hamilton and rookie L’Jarius Sneed at the cornerback position. The team also has rookie BoPete Keyes to consider.
Either Fenton or Hamilton provide the flexibility to play inside against a slot receiver when the Chiefs are in a nickel sub-package.
Meanwhile, starting center Austin Reiter dealt with a sore knee earlier in the week but practiced fully Wednesday.
The Chiefs also listed guard Kelechi Osemele (ankle), safety Juan Thornhill (knee), running back Darrel Williams (hamstring) and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (ankle) as full participants.
Thornhill, who tore an anterior cruciate ligament in the 2019 regular season finale, started in Week 1 and saw action on 38 of the team’s 59 total defensive snaps.
For the Chargers, defensive end Joey Bosa (triceps), running back Justin Jackson (quadricep) and tight end Donald Parham Jr. (illness) did not practice Wednesday, while guard Trai Turner (knee) was limited.
The Chargers list cornerback Casey Hayward Jr. (knee) and wide receiver Mike Williams (shoulder) as full participants.
This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 5:14 PM.
