One of the reasons the Kansas City Chiefs win over the Denver Broncos was so impressive is because they were missing one of their best players on offense (Jeremy Maclin) and defense (Dee Ford) along with a number of other starters.
The Chiefs would rather not prove their mettle without their top players for much longer. Chiefs coach Andy Reid was asked at his Monday news conference if Maclin and Ford have a shot at returning this week.
“I have not met with (Chiefs trainer) Rick (Burkholder) today,” Reid said via quotes from the Chiefs. “I don’t know that. It would be great though if they were there. I don’t have an answer I feel comfortable giving you.”
Maclin’s already been out three weeks and Ford missed his first game Sunday night after coming out at halftime the week before.
I want to say that the Chiefs have a bit of a cushion here after beating the Broncos but even at 8-3 this thing feels really tight. The Chiefs are ‘dogs in Atlanta. They need Maclin and Ford to get back as soon as possible.
They are fortunate in that Tyreek Hill had a breakout game in Maclin’s absence and Justin Houston is back doing Justin Houston things with Ford out. Still, let’s see what this team can do at full health.