The Chiefs injury report is out and Kevin Boss will not play against the Chargers and Peyton Hillis is doubtful. Dwayne Bowe, Steve Breaston, Glenn Dorsey and Dexter McCluster are questionable.
Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel talked about the injured players and the big news is that Peyton Hillis is likely out while others will come down to a game-time decision.
Peyton Hillis has missed the last two days of Kansas City Chiefs practice which means we need to start bracing for the possibility that he won't be playing this weekend against the San Diego Chargers. If he doesn't practice Friday, then we need to be taking a closer look at Shaun Draughn, who will need to assume a bigger role if Hillis can't go.
We don't know a whole lot about Draughn because some of his carries have come in garbage time but on paper his limited role translates well -- 5.9 yards per carry and 10.2 yards per reception.
"Shaun has a toughness about him," Romeo Crennel said on Thursday, via comments sent out by the Chiefs. "Shaun, he has to prove that he's good enough every time he gets the ball, and he has that mindset, that he has something to prove. I think that when he touches the ball he tries to prove that he's good enough and that he's worthy, and that makes him a pretty effective runner."
Draughn seems like a capable fill-in. He runs well, better than I expected, and has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, which is a big part of this. Crennel said he was "conscientious" about pass protection.
He wouldn't need to assume a huge role -- Jamaal Charles is still here, after all -- but he would see more than his usual handful of carries.
Is Draughn ready if Hilli can't go against the Chargers this weekend?
I'm not sure what to make of this news but I wouldn't put it under good news: KC Chiefs RB Peyton Hillis will not practice on Wednesday, head coach Romeo Crennel announced on Wednesday.
Hillis injured his ankle in Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. He was spotted in a walking boot earlier in the week.
We're not sure what's up with his ankle but not practicing on Wednesday is not a good start to the practice week. We'll keep an eye on his situation but if he doesn't practice on Thursday or Friday, he likely won't play.
The good news is that the Chiefs can handle his absence, if he indeed misses this game. Jamaal Charles remains the focal point of the running game while Shaun Draughn and, to a lesser extent, Nate Eachus, would complement him.
Thursday and Friday will tell us more about Hillis' status for Week 4 against the San Diego Chargers.
