Chiefs receiver Donnie Avery won’t play Sunday against Chargers

It looks as if the Chiefs’ young cast of receivers behind veteran Dwayne Bowe will have yet another opportunity to prove themselves this week.

Head coach Andy Reid said Wednesday that Donnie Avery, the team’s No. 2 receiver, will miss the Chiefs’ game Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. It will be the second straight game he’s missed since he underwent core muscle surgery on Oct. 3 in Philadelphia.

“He’s making progress but he’s out,” Reid said.

Third-year pro A.J. Jenkins took Avery’s place in the starting lineup Oct. 5 against San Francisco. In 33 snaps, he finished with one catch for three yards on his only target and rushed once for negative-two yards.

Third-year pro Junior Hemingway, the Chiefs’ starting slot receiver, fared a bit better. He received 13 snaps against the 49ers, including a handful as the No. 2 receiver, and led the team with four catches for 50 yards on four targets.

Second-year pro Frankie Hammond played nine offensive snaps and was not targeted against the 49ers.

Injury report

Safety Eric Berry, a three-time Pro Bowler, will practice Wednesday. Berry has missed the last three games with a high-ankle sprain, but he also practiced Monday — a potentially encouraging sign for his availability against the Chargers.

“He went through Monday’s practice, he felt good,” Reid said. “We’ll just see how he does.”

Cornerback Chris Owens, who has a bone bruise and sprained knee ligament, will not practice. Reid said he is day-to-day.

Running back Cyrus Gray, who suffered a fractured hand, will not practice. Reid said he will likely return to practice on Friday.

This story was originally published October 15, 2014 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Chiefs receiver Donnie Avery won’t play Sunday against Chargers."