SB Nation - Kolby Smith

Who Should the Kansas City Chiefs Cut, Re-sign, and Keep for 2010?

Jon Yoon — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:00:17 -0000

by Charlie Riedel - AP

It's hard not to let my frustrations get the best of me when writing about this year's lowly Chiefs. Rather than vent and curse and scream, I'm going to instead focus my frustrations on a few specific players who I believe are bringing the team down. Some have played their way off the roster and probably out of the NFL; others have played their way out of a starting job; still others have been monumental disappointments.

Let's look at this position by position, starting with the offense.

Quarterback: I've been very patient with Matt Cassel. I understand the situation he's in--his supporting cast isn't great, his receivers are dropping easy passes, and his offensive line has been shaky and inconsistent in pass protection. I get all those things.

That being said, there are a few things that scare me about Cassel. Despite improved protection over the past few games, he is still inconsistent with his downfield throws. In many cases, he's not hitting his receivers in stride and he's making far too many goofy mistakes for a player of his experience level. The excuses are over. His pass protection has gotten better and he is now surrounded by a decent running game. Yet, we're not seeing much improvement from him. All that Cassel has done this season is prove that he's a lousy quarterback for three quarters, but a pretty decent one in the fourth quarter (assuming the Chiefs are still in the game).

I'm not saying Cassel has played his way out of the job, but he certainly hasn't done anything to justify keeping it or securing his place as the QB of the Future. It would be reckless for the Chiefs to enter this offseason without bringing in another strong option at QB. Worst case, Cassel ends up playing really well and the Chiefs can trade their backup away. If the Chiefs don't bring in a strong young option now, it could set the franchise back two or more years.

Because if there is any QB who can push Cassel for a starting job, he's not currently on the roster--Brodie Croyle is too injury prone and Matt Gutierrez is as big of a longshot as you'll find in the NFL. Cassel's poor performance this season has led me to question whether Pioli's loyalties might be clouding his judgment. I like Cassel. I like his work ethic and I want him to succeed, but if he becomes the indisputable starter going into 2010 with no competition, it will really compromise Pioli's no-nonsense, high accountability environment he's building toward. If Pioli is gung-ho about sticking with Cassel next season without bringing in a competitive option, he better be right, or else it could be a decision that haunts him for the rest of his career.

Stays: Matt Cassel (#1 QB), Brodie Croyle (#3 QB)
Bring in: Strong competing #2 QB Option
Dump: Matt Gutierrez

Running back: The good news is that Jamaal Charles is a legit primary back. He's done an incredible job of doing a lot with very little help up front. The play that sticks out in my mind was the toss sweep against the Broncos where he almost made it out to the edge, but couldn't make it there. From what I recall, the guy that got in his way was weakly blocked by Mike Cox. I remember thinking to myself: "Man, if that was Tony Richardson a few years ago, that guy would have been leveled!"

With better blocking up front, Charles has the potential to be a very good "lightning back" who can take on about 15-20 carries a game. He needs to be more careful with the football, but hopefully he can do that with some better awareness and maybe a little bit of strength training. The problem is, Charles is not a primary back in the way LJ was. He shouldn't be a workhorse back nor should he be an all-purpose back. We saw that on Sunday. The Chiefs seemed scared to pound the rock on the goal line. It's because they don't have a "thunder" back to bulldoze forward on short yardage situations. The Chiefs need one of those backs--a big bowling ball that wears out defenses and can muscle a few tough yards on short yardage situations. It would provide more balance to their running game and create a great change of pace for Charles' shifty running style.

Kolby Smith has had a nice little career for the Chiefs, but I wonder if he'll ever play a full season ever again. Outside of Charles and Smith, the options at halfback are not good. Almost everyone in this spot is expendable. However, it's possible the Chiefs keep one of them on the roster, simply because they just have too many needs to fill. At fullback, Mike Cox has effectively played himself off the roster. He doesn't block well, he doesn't run well, and he's been invisible in the passing game. What is it you'd say... he does here? There isn't a shred of a doubt that he will be out of a job in 2010. The Chiefs must bring in a legit Fullback. Must, must, must. And it's not like it's that hard. You can get a top-notch Fullback in the late rounds of the draft.

Keep: Jamaal Charles (#1 HB)
Dump: Mike Cox, Kolby Smith, Tim Castille, Javarris Williams
Possibly retain: Dantrell Savage
Bring in: "Thunder" back. Fullback. Both can be found late in the draft. A "thunder" back might be found on another team's scrap pile

Wide Receiver:

Boy oh boy. You would think that a team coached by a Wide Receivers coach would have receivers that were better at catching the football. You would think that players like Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade, who are hanging on to their roster spot by a very thin thread, would be trying just a little bit harder to compete for their jobs.

Dwayne Bowe is a given, though based on the way he's played this season, I'm not convinced he's a legitimate #1 receiver. Chris Chambers has probably earned his spot on the 2010 roster, although we should prepare for a potential sophomore slump as he had in San Diego. If the Chiefs can find a younger receiver with #1 playmaking capability, they need to break the bank and bring him in (which might mean cutting ties with Chambers). I don't think that will happen, so for now, Chambers is a solid stopgap option. Apart from that, no receiver has played well enough to justify keeping their job.

Bobby Wade, on the whole, has not been terrible. He played like he didn't care to be there against the Broncos, but in most games, he's been a relatively solid slot option. I can't see a situation where Mark Bradley is on this team next season. He has dropped way too many passes in key situations. Lance Long, as it turns out, is not Wes Welker. He's not Ricky Proehl. He's just a guy---pretty good at getting open, but wildly inconsistent at making the catch.

Keep: Dwayne Bowe
Likely keep: Chris Chambers
Bring in: Either a #1 receiver to replace Chambers, or a strong rookie prospect to be groomed to replace Chambers
Very on the bubble: Bobby Wade, Lance Long
Dump: Mark Bradley

Tight End:

Based on the way Haley likes to use Tight Ends, I tend to think he wants a multi-dimensional tight end moreso than a one-dimensional one. He may not want a Tight End who is only stellar at receiving. I don't think he'd mind having a Tight End who was primarily a blocker. Ideally, though, I think he would like a Tight End who was equally good at both.

Leonard Pope has been the sole bright spot at the position and that's not even saying much. Pope's role should really be more situational--a great backup, but not someone I'd like to see as an every-down starter. Sean Ryan does not belong on this roster. I have no idea why he's been here this long in the first place. He can't catch. He's a horrendous blocker. What exactly is his value to the offense? Brad Cottam isn't much better. You can't tell me there aren't better options on the street than these guys.

Keep: Leonard Pope (#2 TE)
Dump: Sean Ryan and Brad Cottam
Bring in: Anyone who isn't named Sean Ryan or Brad Cottam.

Chiefs RB Castille Moves Up In Latest Depth Chart

Joel Thorman — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:53:46 -0000

Last week at this time, the Kansas City Chiefs sported three running backs on their depth chart: Jamaal Charles, Kolby Smith and Dantrell Savage.

With Smith now on IR and Savage missing the Denver Broncos game with an injury, here's how the Chiefs backs stack up:

Jamaal Charles, Tim Castille and Dantrell Savage.

Castille has only been on the team for a few weeks but contributed yesterday. He had three carries for 26 yards and one reception for eight yards. He was moved into the Chiefs offense pretty quickly.

Other depth chart changes are minor.

One other minor change comes at punt returner. With Savage injured, Quinten Lawrence is now listed as the No. 2 punt returner.

Lawrence had six kick returns for an average of 21 yards yesterday.

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 12/6 DT's Day

NJ Chiefs Fan — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:38:49 -0000

via i.cdn.turner.com

Game Day!!!! Denver Broncos at Arrowhead today. Wear your 58 jerseys if you got 'em. That number finally gets retired today at halftime. I can't tell you how jealous I am of those of you who will be there today. Now your news.

Alleman plays on the Chiefs’ offensive line. He started a couple of games last month, and then the knee went out. One week, he kind of twisted it. The next, another player ran into it. The week after that, Alleman was out. It was a discouraging way to spend part of his third NFL season, particularly for a player who has gone to unusual lengths to learn about his body and its risks for injury.

Alleman is one of the first NFL players to undergo gene testing, and it had some surprising results. It revealed that Alleman possesses weak Achilles’ tendons, a problem he would’ve never suspected, and he now devotes extra workout time to strengthen them.

Science let him in on a secret — although it didn’t tell him everything.

Chiefs’ Alleman looks to science for an edge from KC Star

The Chiefs placed running back Kolby Smith on injured reserve Saturday and promoted running back Javarris Williams from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Williams, 5 feet 10 and 223 pounds, was the Chiefs’ seventh-round pick in this year’s draft. Williams, out of Tennessee State, has not played in an NFL game.

Chiefs put Kolby Smith on IR from KC Star

Almost a decade since the last time Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas stepped on the field for the Kansas City Chiefs, his spirit will undoubtedly be in attendance at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday against the Denver Broncos.
Thomas, whose number 58 will be retired by the Chiefs on Sunday, sacked Broncos' quarterback John Elway more than any other quarterback during his 11-year career in Kansas City. Against no other opponent would it be more appropriate for the Chiefs to retire Thomas's number.

Chiefs Derrick Thomas Makes Final Appearance Against Broncos on Sunday from Bleacher Report

Bottom line

The Chiefs are overmatched against a team with a lot of offensive weapons, as they showed in last week’s blowout loss to the Chargers. The Broncos may not be as stocked as San Diego, but between Marshall, Moreno and Buckhalter, they still qualify as an offensive team far too deep for the Chiefs to handle. Unless the Chiefs can dominate on special teams or win the turnover battle by a large margin, look for the Broncos to pull away eventually. Prediction: Broncos 30, Chiefs 17

Chiefs-Broncos scouting report from KC Star

The Chiefs delighted a chilled Thanksgiving Day crowd at Municipal Stadium on Nov. 27, 1969, by scoring on offense, defense and on one of the most unusual special-teams plays imaginable.

Linebacker Bobby Bell fielded Denver kicker Bobby Howfield’s onside kick in the final minute and returned it 53 yards for a touchdown, putting the finishing touches on a 31-17 victory in front of a crowd of 48,773.

Chiefs flashback | Week 12 of the Super Bowl IV season from KC Star

The Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, who meet Sunday, each have a player who has flourished despite joining the team in midseason.

Chris Chambers was cut by the San Diego Chargers on Nov. 2, claimed by the Chiefs and almost immediately became their No. 1 receiver. The Broncos needed a new third cornerback for their nickel defense in early November and signed veteran Ty Law, who had been out of football all year.

The NFL season was at full speed, and those players had to catch up quickly.

"They’ve done it in training camp; they’ve had the books," Law said. "If they see something they say, ‘This is familiar, we saw this in Week 3’ or whatever. For me, everything is new."

Midseason acquisitions have difficult challenges in NFL from The Colorado Springs Gazette

The socks have been an unexpected hit for the Broncos and the N.F.L., which is near the end of its season-long 50th-anniversary celebration of the American Football League. The original eight teams — the Buffalo Bills, the Denver Broncos, the Los Angeles Chargers (now the San Diego Chargers), the Boston Patriots (the New England Patriots), the Oakland Raiders, the Houston Oilers (the Tennessee Titans), the Dallas Texans (the Kansas City Chiefs) and the New York Titans (the Jets) — have been featured in legacy games that have included vintage uniforms.

The last of these 16 matchups will be Sunday when the Patriots play the Miami Dolphins, who joined the A.F.L. in 1966. The Cincinnati Bengals became the 10th team in 1968. The commemoration of the A.F.L. has provided a much-needed lift for the teams and the league, which were looking for ways to offset the effects of the recession on merchandise sales. More than two dozen licensees have been making about 100 A.F.L.-related products, which have produced tens of millions of dollars in sales, said Leo Kane, the N.F.L.’s vice president for consumer products.

For a League of the Past, the Uniforms Live On from The New York Times

NFL great Jan Stenerud, who has adopted Colorado Springs as his hometown, is hooked on what he calls "America’s game."

"I think American football is the greatest team sport ever invented," he said.

Which leads us to this question:

What about soccer?

Stenerud, 67, hails from Norway, where he played futbol, or soccer, every day in the summer. He knows the game. He once loved the game.

Ramsey: Stenerud embraces football, leaving soccer behind from Colorado Springs Gazette

Player Tweets

almighty31 all this time. i get a citation and she gets off. she dont even have brake lights.

MrKolbySmith what's good with you?@H0llyHawK

almighty31 how bout them tide. u mighty quiet @themswhite

studie32 i pray that it is

studie32 i rejoice that it is.

Media and Fans

ArrowheadPride Chiefs fans, send us your tailgating pictures tomorrow and we will post 'em. #chiefs

JoshLooney Chiefs Big 12 championship predictions: Demorrio Williams - NEB by 7; Derrick Johnson - Tex by 21; Jamaal Charles - remember Tex/CU? (70-3)

SI_PeterKing Imagine 33 days betw AFC+NFC title games and Super Bowl, as in college with nat'l title game. SB would be Feb. 26--in the middle of combine.

adamcbest: Chiefs need to come and get Suh! Hit on our last Husker D-lineman (Neil Smith). #Suh

webby37: Watching the #Chiefs / #Broncos 1994 MNF classic on the NFL Network... Remember hiding from the folks to stay up and watch the end—Eff Elway

bemonteer: Fired up for the Chiefs and Broncos. Go Chiefs!!!

jwgochiefs1: Hope the chiefs beat the broncos ass today!!!!

tslfan20: hopefully i don't turn into an icicle watching the chiefs lose to the broncos... that would be no bueno

bandfrag: Hey Chiefs fans, remember to wear your #58 DT jerseys tomorrow no matter where you are. The mojo will be needed. Go Chiefs!!!

mattmishler: Heading to KC for the Broncos and Chiefs game!

CreativePetrol: Up early prepping for the big tailgate. Let's get a win, #Chiefs!

Chiefs' Kolby Smith to IR; Javarris Williams Promoted

Joel Thorman — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 23:26:48 -0000

Yesterday, Kansas City Chiefs RB Kolby Smith was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Today, he's been ruled out for the entire season.

The Chiefs formally placed Smith on IR, a move many of us expected. It's too bad for him. This is the second consecutive season that's been cut short due to injury.

With the open roster spot, the Chiefs promoted Javarris Williams from the practice squad. This is also a move many of us expected.

Williams was a 7th round draft pick of the Pioli/Haley regime. The 5'10", 223 pound back comes from Tennessee State. AP's Matt Conner interviewed a reporter from the Tennessean and Williams' former college coach.

Williams signed a contract with the Chiefs on July 23rd. He was released on the team's final cutdown in September and immediately re-signed to the practice squad.

Williams could get an opportunity to see some action, too. Dantrell Savage is also expected to miss Sunday's game meaning after Jamaal Charles, Williams will be in line along with Tim Castille.

Chiefs RB Williams a 'Possibility' to be Promoted From Practice Squad

Joel Thorman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:18:59 -0000

As we realize that Kolby Smith's injury is serious enough to cause him to miss Sunday's game, and maybe the rest of the season, we'll begin to turn our focus to possible replacements for this weekend. Assuming Dantrell Savage is out as well (listed as doubtful), there are a couple of options for the backup RB spot behind Jamaal Charles.

We already went over some of those options. Here's what Todd Haley had to say about it.

RB Javarris Williams is currently on the practice squad but Todd Haley said today, "That’s a possibility," when asked if he could be promoted.

"Obviously we need to see exactly where Savage is at and where we are at as a group. We’ve got a couple of plans that we’re ready to go with one way or another."

Haley said yesterday the Chiefs have a "Plan B, Plan C" and so on if Kolby Smith can't go this weekend. And now that it appears Savage isn't likely to go either, FB Tim Castille is becoming not just a possibility but a probability this weekend.

"If Kolby is indeed out," Haley said, "I’m happy we have a guy like Tim Castille that we’ve added here recently that can play both positions. We haven’t given him the ball a bunch but we think he can play the halfback and fullback positions."

There you have it. If Savage can't go, look for Javarris Williams to be called up or Tim Castille to be given some carries.

Chiefs RB Kolby Smith Officially Out; Savage Doubtful

Joel Thorman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:15:58 -0000

Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com reports that Chiefs RB Kolby Smith has been formally ruled out for Sunday's game against the Broncos. This is about what we expected when he wasn't on the practice field this afternoon.

Meanwhile, as I just noted a few minutes ago, Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star believes this could be the season ending variety of injury.

"Chiefs RB Kolby Smith's injury could be season-ending," Babb reports. "The team will know more after today, but he again could be placed on IR."

If that's the case, it'll be the second time Smith has been placed on IR in his short career.

Looney also reports the Chiefs put RB Dantrell Savage as doubtful on the injury report. This means he has about a 25% chance of playing, or highly unlikely.

So, it's nearly guaranteed that the Chiefs running backs on Sunday will go like this:

1. Jamaal Charles

2. Tim Castille/Mike Cox (FBs)

It's also possible the Chiefs make a decision on Smith after today and, if it is IR, rookie RB Javarris Williams is sitting on the practice squad.

The Chiefs also worked out former Bengals RB Chris Perry a couple weeks ago so that's a possibility.

Chiefs Could Have Two RBs Missing the Broncos Game

Joel Thorman — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:25:56 -0000

More photos » by Seth Perlman - AP

Chiefs RB Savage did not participate in today's practice. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

Browse more photos »

You take one step forward and then take two back....

As of yesterday, it appeared Chiefs RB Dantrell Savage would be available to play on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. The question then was whether RB Kolby Smith, who was downgraded to a non-participant in practice, would be available to play.

As it turns out, both players could miss Sunday's game. Here's the situation, via Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com.

RB Kolby Smith not at practice

Uh-oh..a Chiefs player suffering an injury that's unaccounted for at practice has generally meant a trip to IR. I haven't heard anything about that though.

Yesterday Chiefs coach Todd Haley said of Smith, "Yeah, we’ll know a little bit more [tomorrow]. We’ll list him as [did not practice today] but we’ll have to see what’s up."

It's possible Smith was getting medical tests done during practice. Or he's going to IR. Or he'll play Sunday. The point is we don't now "what's up" yet.

RB Dantrell Savage downgraded

Yesterday, Savage was listed as a limited participant and via multiple folks we heard he was running pretty well.

Today? The rehab zone. We're not sure what this means for Savage's status on Sunday but practicing on Friday is a big part of Haley's determination on who is active and who isn't.

***

For those of you wanting Jamaal Charles to carry an even heavier load, you may get your wish.

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 12/4

NJ Chiefs Fan — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:18:11 -0000

via ESPN.com

Happy Friday!! Rock the red if you can. Here is today's Chiefs news from across the internet.

They will honor Derrick Thomas on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium during the Chiefs game against the Broncos, retiring his No. 58 jersey.

Denver linebacker Elvis Dumervil just might sneak out of the locker room a bit early at the intermission so he can see the ceremonies.

The NFL’s leading sacker, Dumervil has always had hero, one player he modeled his game after.

"Derrick Thomas, hands down, because of his ability to get the ball out, to force fumbles," Dumervil said. "Seven sacks in one game; he was relentless, and that’s what I want to be known as, a guy who is non-stop; someone that you have to account for four quarters.

"He was the perfect defensive player. He played with great energy and attitude. That was my guy growing up. He just destroyed people."

Elvis Will Be In The Building … Friday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

Studebaker said it was a good thing that Vrabel was in his ear all that time, and Haley has said that part of his long-term vision for the Chiefs is to pack the roster with players such as Vrabel, a starter who’s willing to mentor younger players even if it means they’ll someday threaten his own starting job.

"As soon as he thinks he can help," Studebaker said, "he’s there helping. Whether it was on the sidelines during the games or walking off the field after the walkthrough on Saturday, any time he sees anything he thinks can help, he’ll say something."

Studebaker said Vrabel most often emphasizes communication among other defenders. If there’s clarity, there’s a better chance of success. Studebaker understood that, and he said that’s why he felt ready to join the starting lineup two weeks ago against the Steelers.

He had been taught well, and although he was on his own, he said he had been prepared well.

"We beat a very good team with him playing," Haley said. "… We had a guy that we didn’t know a lot about that now we have at least an idea of some of the things he might be capable of."

Vrabel’s injury reveals bright spot in Studebaker from KC Star

It’s been almost a whole season and very little has come out of Motown featuring former Chiefs head coach and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham.

That finally ended on Thursday, when the Detroit Free Press sat down to talk with Gun about offenses in the NFL.

And he had plenty to say, some of it very familiar to Chiefs fans who will remember the first game of Cunningham’s two years as head coach, back in September of 1999. The opponent that day was the Bears and they had a new offense in place, one that Gun called "frisbee football."

A decade later, his thoughts haven’t changed.

Gunther With Something To Say from Bob Gretz

Former Chiefs defensive end Neil Smith is facing charges of driving while intoxicated and failing to drive in a single lane.

Smith, 43, was scheduled to appear Thursday in Jackson County Circuit Court, but the matter was continued until Jan. 7, according to court records.

Kevin Regan, an attorney for Smith, denied the allegations.

"Neil Smith is an outstanding giver in many ways in our community, and he takes that role very seriously," Regan said Thursday.

Smith, former Chief, faces DWI charge from KC Star

Hindsight has brought greater understanding of the Broncos' flirtation with Matt Cassel.

What nobody knew then, but what everybody can guess at now, is that experience alone wasn't going to cure Jay Cutler of his flaws as an NFL quarterback.

Cutler's talent is off the charts. So are his NFL-high 20 interceptions. Josh McDaniels, the Broncos' new head coach, must have seen then what he won't talk about now.

McDaniels' offensive system demands a disciplined quarterback. A great arm helps, sure, but not at the expense of taking unnecessary risks.

Josh McDaniels had a vision that better fit Cassel, Orton from The Denver Post

It was a long journey for Andy Studebaker. Starting 2 yards deep in his end zone, the Kansas City Chiefs’ outside linebacker chugged and churned until finally being brought down at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 8-yard line.

Immediately, he was swarmed by teammates following his pivotal interception and return on Nov. 22 at Kansas City.

"You’re going on adrenalin during the run and when you’re down, you realize how winded you are," Studebaker said. "Everybody is chest bumping me and I’m like, ‘Where’s the sideline? I need to sit down.’ "

Kindred: Small-town boy Studebaker making a big NFL impact from Pantagraph.com

The Kansas City Chiefs indoor training facility is on the road to completion. Students had a chance to have their voices heard by the President of Missouri Western Robert Vartabedian and members of his cabinet at the second annual President’s Forum.

Many students who attended the forum had concerns about the Chiefs training facility and how it will affect Missouri Western. Athletic Director Dave Williams attended the forum and answered concerns students had about the Chiefs coming to campus.

"As far as I am concerned, the Chiefs facility will be called the MWSU facility," Williams said. "For 49 weeks out of the year, it’s ours and the Chiefs for only three."

Chiefs facility shows progress from The Griffon News

A McCook youngster will display his football skills in Kansas City this weekend.

Noah Hofman has qualified for the regional NFL Punt, Pass & Kick competition. Hufman will travel to Kansas City this weekend to compete with four others from the region. The football skills event will be held Sunday morning at Arrowhead Stadium prior to the Kansas City Chiefs-Denver Broncos NFL game Sunday afternoon.

Hofman is the 11-year-old son of Andy Hofman of McCook and Raquel Andersen of Crete. Noah is a sixth-grader at McCook junior High School.

McCook boy earns Punt, Pass & Kick trip to Kansas City from The McCook Daily Gazette

Player Tweets

MrKolbySmith RT @tasteboutique: I can't bel Ang isn't going with me. We do almost everything together. http://twitpic.com/s0l7q put a sock in it. Lmao

almighty31 im ready

Media and Fans

ArrowheadPride RT @awessley This Oregon - Oregon St game is one of the most entertaining games I've watched this season...besides my Chiefs upsetting PIT

KCChiefs4Life69: Lets Go Chiefs!!! Beat The Broncos This Sunday In Memory Of Derrick Thomas!!!

nicholascott: #thingsilove Kansas City Chiefs, my team. #DontJudgeMe

gregharris66720: @thechrisjordan if the chiefs play like they did last week it doesnt deserve to be called football anyways lol. But yes I am going

richeisen: RT @banglinjr: I know my chiefs aren't good but whose season did they hurt worse Giants w/ Mannings heel or Steelers w/ Roethlisbergers head

TONYBINATL: @richeisen Chiefs also had a hand in Romo getting off his game for awhile too.

dragonocho: @richeisen Chiefs hurt Brady and Favre in 08. Arrowhead Turf injured Manning and DJ hurt Roethlisberger. Hate that my team is hurting QBs.

Kolby Smith the Lone Chief Missing Practice

Joel Thorman — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:03:37 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

Chiefs RB Dantrell Savage could see more carries if RB Kolby Smith can't go on Sunday. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Browse more photos »

Once again the Kansas City Chiefs took the field in healthy fashion. 52 of the team's 53 players participated in practice this morning according to Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com.

RB Kolby Smith was the lone player missing. He rode the stationary bike the rehab area instead.

Smith suffered an injury several weeks ago and has been hobbled ever since. He's had just two carries in the last two games. If he can't go on Sunday, expect Dantrell Savage to take some of his carries.

Smith and Savage both were listed as limited participants in yesterday's practice according to the official NFL practice report. Savage ran drills today so his recovery seems to be better than Smith's.

The four other players listed on the Chiefs practice report yesterday included Andy Alleman, Justin Rogers, David Herron and Mike Vrabel. All were listed as full participants.

As Looney notes, not having Smith and/or Savage would mean an increase in carries for Jamaal Charles and potentially a decrease in his return duties.

Injury Report: Week 12

John (obviousman) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:34:52 -0000

First, some news about the possible blackout. The Chargers have been granted another 24 hours, and now have until 1pm on Saturday, to sell the remaining 1,350 tickets. Considering the Chargers have sold more than 2,000 tickets in the last 24 hours, I think there's now a very good chance of this game not being blacked out in San Diego.

Now, onto the injury report.