Chiefs vs. Chargers: Will Dexter McCluster Play?

Kansas City Chiefs WR Dexter McCluster missed last Friday's practice in Kansas City, MO. It was a bit of a surprise but we didn't think much of it at the time.

Then on Saturday afternoon the Chiefs listed McCluster as doubtful for Monday night's game against the San Diego Chargers with an illness. In the league's language, doubtful means there's a near certainty the player won't play. Chargers LB Shawne Merriman is listed as doubtful and no one expects him to play at this point.

That was followed by McCluster practicing on Saturday night and the Chiefs upgrading his condition from doubtful to questionable. The upgrade is significant for those wanting to see McCluster's debut.

Questionable means there's a 50-50 chance of playing.

If the Chiefs went to the trouble of upgrading his condition, I feel that's an indication he'll play. Still, though, it's important to recognize that it was just 48 hours ago that the McCluster's illness was so bad that they thought he would miss Monday's game.

I"m betting McCluster will play. How effective he'll be will depend on exactly what his illness is.