We don't know yet if defensive lineman Allen Bailey will be able to play on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders but it's a good sign that he's practicing after missing the past few weeks with a calf injury.
The Chiefs defense, which is 12th in the NFL against the rush, has fared well enough without Bailey but he's a good player and pass rusher so his return will be welcomed whenever it comes.
Plus, we're getting to the home stretch of the season here and the Chiefs need all the reinforcements they can get.
Nick Williams got 18 snaps last week. Poe and Howard both over 95% of the defensive snaps. Bailey's gonna make such a big difference.
— Craig Stout (@barleyhop) December 2, 2015
The Chiefs are lucky in that they have a few defensive linemen that they like and are capable of starting in Mike DeVito, Dontari Poe, Jaye Howard and Bailey.
When Poe, Bailey, Howard and Devito were healthy at the same time, the Chiefs were looking at every DL under 70% of total D snaps.
— Craig Stout (@barleyhop) December 2, 2015
Less snaps later in the season could translate into more effective stats. Here's to Bailey's return ... if it comes this week.