Erving, Hitchens, Kelce and Jones absent from Thursday’s Chiefs OTA session

The media was allowed to watch the Kansas City Chiefs OTA session on Thursday, which gives us some insight into the players who are not practicing at this point in the offseason program.

According to head coach Andy Reid, linebacker Anthony Hitchens did not participate in OTAs on Thursday. He had an excuse: he and his wife just had a baby. Reid also said offensive lineman Cam Erving did not participate in Thursday’s session because Erving underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason.

Another player who had offseason surgery — tight end Travis Kelce — wasn’t immediately in evidence, according to a tweet from Kansas City Star Chiefs beat reporter Brooke Pryor.

But Kelce was on the premises. Later, Pryor tweeted that she had spotted Kelce walking out of the building in shorts and a sweatshirt, wearing a hat.

As we told you in March, Kelce’s ankle surgery — described as a “cleanup” — would likely keep him out of OTAs. At the time, we were told that he should be ready for training camp. The last time Kelce spoke to the media in mid-April, he wasn’t sure of the timetable for his full return.

”I have no idea what the time frame is,” he said. “I’m just taking it week by week.”

As expected, defensive tackle Chris Jones did not participate in Thursday’s session. Jones is in the midst of negotiating a new contract with the Chiefs. It’s not at all unusual for players in Jones’ situation to avoid voluntary activities like OTAs.