:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/24493277/20131124_jla_sr9_205.0.jpg)
It's hard to complain about injuries when you look at what other teams around the league are going through but the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday against the Washington Redskins could have a few more starters missing.
Missing the opening practice of Redskins week on Wednesday is LT Branden Albert, TE Anthony Fasano and LB Justin Houston All three players are starters and important players at their position.
Albert hyper-extended his knee last week against Denver. While the feeling is that it's not a serious multi-week injury, Albert did not practice on Wednesday with the rest of the Chiefs. If Albert can't go, Donald Stephenson likely steps in and plays left tackle while Eric Fisher plays right tackle.
Fasano sufferd a concussion last week against Denver. He also has a knee strain. He did not practice on Wednesday. Sean McGrath backs him up. That the Chiefs haven't brought in another tight end (yet) suggests to me that Fasano has a shot at playing. He will go through the NFL's concussion protocol.
Houston, as we all know, has the subluxed elbow. Reid again said Houston was making progress. Earlier in the week Reid wasn't optimistic that Houston would be able to play but on Wednesday he said Houston would shoot for Sunday. Still, that appears to be wishful thinking at this point. All injuries are different but most with a similar injury to Houston have missed multiple weeks of action. Houston injured his elbow in Week 12 against San Diego.
Three starters, three important players. The Chiefs can get along without any of these guys -- they have already at times -- but it certainly won't be easy.
The key for him, and the rest of these guys, will be what he does on Thursday and Friday. Missing practice on Friday often means missing the game on Sunday.
UPDATE: There's more..
McCluster is not here for first part of practice. Checking on the reason
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) December 4, 2013
A reader points out this Facebook post from McCluster -- on the way to the hospital for the birth of his child.
