Practice Report 11/13
From the Truman Sports Complex
It looks like OLB Mike Vrabel will be on the field Sunday when the Chiefs take on the Raiders in Oakland.
Vrabel missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of what the team is calling a hip injury. But the veteran linebacker was working on Friday as a full participant in the team’s last session of the week.
ILB David Herron is out of Sunday’s game with a knee injury. In just five games with the Chiefs, Herron has become a special teams contributor. His spot in the kicking game will be taken by rookie OLB Pierre Walters or newly signed LB Justin Rogers.
Everyone else on the Chiefs injury report is listed as probable for Sunday’s game: Vrabel (hip), OL Wade Smith (ankle), WR Chris Chambers (foot), ILB Jovan Belcher (head) and FS Jon McGraw (thigh).
McGraw will be back in the starting lineup at free safety. For another week at least, Jamaal Charles figures to be the starter at running back, although head coach Todd Haley says that will depend on what plays and formations are used to start the game.
Haley says Kolby Smith still needs some time before he’s ready to be a full-time back in the Chiefs offense.
“It’s unrealistic to expect him to be at the top of his game,” said coach Todd Haley. “That would be asking too much; it was a major injury.”
Smith tore the patella tendon in his right knee last November. Two years ago, Smith ran for 150 yards on 31 carries against the Raiders.
“For another week at least, Jamaal Charles figures to be the starter at running back”
Then give him the damn ball, Haley. Let’s see what he can do with 20+ touches in a game, like LJ was getting.
LOL……he wont give him the ball….the way Haley uses unknown players..gimmie a break…..expect the unexpected with Haley. So I expect Tim Krummrie 2 be the starting RB against Oak.
Based on how unpredictable Haley has used his RBs this year, this might be a fun game to play. What will be the carry distribution among our three backs this week? Here are mine.
Charles: 10
Smith: 8
Savage: 5
Anyone else want to play? We could probably all guess something different and STILL no one would have it right by the time the game is over on Sunday. Personally, I hope those three guys get more like 30 carries combined instead of the 23 I’m guessing, but we’ll see how it goes.
Also, even though Charles is fast and Smith is a great story with a feature back build, I’m still rooting for Savage to get the ball. Two plays last week stand out in my mind: Savage getting a pitch on 3rd and short, he had a defender in his face 5 yards behind the line and still managed to get back to the line of scrimmage. Second, the pass he caught where he reversed field and stayed on his feet turning what would have been a minimal gain into an eight yard pickup. The guy may not be big or speedy, but he runs as hard as anybody. If he gets a little bigger and stronger in his legs, he might rekindle memories of a certain Priest we all know and love…..
With Oakland’s poor run defense we better run a lot more then we have been in the past. I hope we don’t try to get to cute and try to out smart them. Just run a lot and do pitch outs and screen plays to get the running backs out in space and one on one with a defender. I figure Charles gets twenty carries and Smith gets ten carries with Savage getting five touches. GO CHIEFS, POUND IT TO THEM RAIDERS!
For the fith time
We have a rookie HC who seems to feel do little or nothing and keep the game close taking no chances. Then acting when there is a chance to win or down two score desparation time. He has done this since week one and did not change anything after “tweaking” the offense during the off week.
Colby,
I hope they get a lot of carries, too. Last week, Charles averaged slightly over 6 yards a “touch”…but only had 6 runs, and three receptions. Sorry, but if a guy is averaging 6 yards a touch…then why are you not putting the ball into the guy’s hands more? I don’t quite understand that.
I’d go for Savage, too. Or Smith. It’s just my personal feeling that Charles has earned his shot to be “the man”. And I’m all for seeing if he can handle it. Whoever it is, though…I’d like to see them get the 20+ chances LJ was getting per game. It’s hard for a guy to get into “the groove” if he’s only getting the ball a half dozen times a game. That’s my opinion, anyway.
Bob,
It sure has been a bitch trying to make a comment here lately. Kinda’ frustrating to think something out, type it…and then lose it. I don’t think it’s just me. Help?
You’re right madchief running back does need 12 to 15 plus carries to get into a groove. Our chances to win this game is establish the run early hit them with some playaction as they start to put 8 in the box. Get the ball to Bowe and Chambers off the playaction pass. Last but not least stop their run game and make Russell have to try to beat you.
Mad Chiefs says:
“It’s hard for a guy to get into “the groove” if he’s only getting the ball a half dozen times a game. That’s my opinion, anyway.”
I definitely agree with that. I just question Charles’ ability to physically handle that kind of wear and tear each week. However, Chris Johnson is doing it in Tennessee and Willie Parker held up for a few years in Pittsburgh. Not to mention Warrick Dunn going over 10,000 career yards rushing. I just think those guys are rare exceptions.
I do hope that however they distribute the carries, our running game improves.
Hey Bob WHAT HAPPEN TO THE PODCAST WITH LEN DAWSON AND THE CZAR? THOSE GUYS GAVE GOOD INSIGHT LAST YR ON THE CHIEFS. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR THEIR OPINIONS ON THIS YEAR’S TEAM.
All 3 backs are 3rd down type backs that will be running behind a JV O-line. However, all 3 appear to be politically correct so they got that going for them.