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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid revealed during his post-game press conference that starting cornerback Charvarius Ward fractured his hand in the Thursday night game against the Houston Texans.
It appears Ward will have surgery to repair his injured hand, according to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Chiefs CB Charvarius Ward is slated for surgery on his broken hand, source said. But based on the position he plays, it wouldn’t be unprecedented if he puts a cast on it and plays. Plus, Ward and KC have 3 extra days to get ready for their next game.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2020
Ward played 31 defensive snaps for the Chiefs against the Texans before being removed from the game due to injury. As Rapoport notes, Ward might be able to play through the injury with a cast, just as former Chiefs cornerback Kendall Fuller did in 2018.
Ward started 16 games for the Chiefs in 2019, compiling 74 tackles (56 solo), 10 passes defensed, a forced fumble and two interceptions.
Already thin at cornerback due to Bashaud Breeland being suspended for another three games, the Chiefs could use Ward back as soon as possible. It’s helpful that rookie cornerback L’Jarius Sneed played well in the season opener.
Other cornerbacks on the 53-man roster include Antonio Hamilton and BoPete Keyes. If necessary, the Chiefs could also bring rookie Lavert Hill up from the practice squad.