SB Nation - Tank Tyler

New York Jets Run Offense vs. Carolina Panthers Run Defense

John B — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 14:13:24 -0000

The Panthers do not stop the run particularly well. They give up 130.7 per game on the ground, 26th in the league. Opponents are picking up 4.7 yards per carry against them. Ricky Williams went for 119 against the Panthers last week. Nose tackle Hollis Thomas is the best run defender on Carolina's line. Tyler Brayton is solid. It is a struggle for everybody else. Under tackle Damione Lewis has been nursing a shoulder injury but had full participation in practice on Friday. It hasn't been great for Lewis or backups Tank Tyler and Nick Hayden this year. The same goes for ends Julius Peppers and Everette Brown. The pair rotates at right end. They are both very athletic and good pass rushers. That athleticism doesn't help them play the run well.

Jon Beason is very good in the middle for the Panthers at linebacker, but the situation outside is in flux. Carolina has three outside linebackers on injured reserve. That will leave a lot of inexperience at outside linebacker in Dan Connor and James Anderson. They could really use injured Thomas Davis in this one.

I think the Jets do what they do best, try and pound the power right side of the line, attacking Lewis and Connor, staying away from Thomas if possible. The Jets can very easily avoid asking Mark Sanchez to do too much. They have a big edge in this department. Defensive coordinator Ron Meeks does not have anybody in the secondary great in run support. He surely misses Bob Sanders.

Who Plays When for the Kansas City Chiefs Defense

Chris Thorman — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:06:30 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

about 1 month ago: San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles (43) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Mike Vrabel (50) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 25, 2009, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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Position	Player	% Run	% Pass	% Coverage
DL	Glenn Dorsey	50%	50%	0%
DL	Tyson Jackson	57%	42%	0%
DL	Ron Edwards	50%	50%	0%
DL	Tank Tyler	48%	52%	0%
DL	Wallace Gilberry	48%	52%	0%
DL	Alex Magee	32%	68%	0%
DL	Kenny Smith	71%	29%	0%

We've got a whole new set of statistics that we'll be giving you and they're from a fantastic new site we've just discovered - Pro Football Focus.

Pro Football Focus has play percentage stats (as you can see), special teams tackles, run and pass blocking stats and more...It's really an amazing site. Check it out.

To get us started taking a look at these stats, I've posted the percentage that each Kansas City Chiefs defensive player plays on either running plays, passing plays and on special teams.

I've got the linebacker and secondary stats for you after the jump.

If you include special teams, S Mike Brown is actually leads the team in playing time.

I know it sounds geeky but I'm very excited about the possibilities of mining Pro Football Focus for interesting stats. We'll have a lot more of their stats for you over the weekend and coming weeks.

It's Friday, so my laziness is showing through in the lack of analysis on this post. After the jump, the linebackers and secondary playing time stats.

Linebackers

Position	Player	% Run	% Pass	% Coverage
LB	Mike Vrabel	45%	31%	24%
LB	Tamba Hali	45%	40%	15%
LB	Corey Mays	58%	9%	32%
LB	Demorrio Williams	58%	6%	37%
LB	Jovan Belcher	28%	12%	59%
LB	Derrick O. Johnson	29%	15%	57%
LB	Monty Beisel	19%	3%	77%
LB	Andy Studebaker	100%	0%	0%

Secondary

Position	Player	% Run	% Pass	% Coverage
DB	Mike Brown	46%	3%	51%
DB	Brandon Carr	45%	1%	54%
DB	Brandon Flowers	46%	2%	52%
DB	Jarrad Page	45%	1%	55%
DB	Maurice Leggett	33%	4%	62%
DB	Jon McGraw	32%	9%	59%
DB	DaJuan Morgan	56%	0%	44%
DB	Mike Richardson	16%	4%	81%
DB	Donald Washington	26%	5%	68%
DB	Ricardo Colclough	11%	5%	84%

Anything interesting stand out to you?

The 2010 Draft - Where We Stand in Chart Form

Jeremy Bolander — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:37:57 -0000

[Editor's Note: This is a draft order chart based completely off of the current standings. Tiebreak rules were used to establish order of playoff teams, and then playoff "wins" were awarded to the team with the best record, or whomever came out ahead in tiebreaks. For those who are wondering, Denver topped Indy in the #4 tiebreak scenario, "strength of victory" (.504 to .305). Obviously, this chart will change drastically from week to week, and I will update it as time permits to keep us abreast of developments.]

#	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
1	TEN	STL	TB	¹⁰TEN	STL	TB	TEN
2	TB	⁷NE	STL	TB	TEN	STL	TB
3	STL	TB	TEN	STL	¹⁷CLE	TEN	STL
4	KC	CLE	KC	CLE	KC	CLE	²⁶MIA
5	CLE	KC	CLE	KC	CLE	KC	CLE
6	DET	DET	DET	DET	DET	DET	DET
7	WAS	OAK	¹⁰~~WAS~~	OAK	WAS	²¹CAR	WAS
8	OAK	WAS	OAK	WAS	OAK	²³MIA	OAK
9	SEA	CAR	MIA	SEA	¹⁸KC	MIA	SEA
10	MIA	SEA	CAR	MIA	SEA	CAR	MIA
11	¹SF	MIA	⁹PHI	CAR	¹⁹KC	SEA	CAR
12	BUF	BUF	BUF	BUF	BUF	BUF	BUF
13	SF	BAL	CHI	JAX	SD	SF	BAL
14	SD	SF	BAL	CHI	JAX	SD	SF
15	JAX	SD	SF	BAL	CHI	JAX	SD
16	²DEN	⁶NE	SD	SF	BAL	CHI	JAX
17	BAL	⁵TB	JAX	SD	SF	BAL	CHI
18	HOU	HOU	HOU	HOU	HOU	HOU	HOU
19	DAL	PHI	DAL	PHI	^13,11NE	²²BUF	DAL
20	PHI	DAL	PHI	DAL	PHI	DAL	²⁸NE
21	NYJ	NYJ	NYJ	NYJ	¹⁶CLE	NYJ	NYJ
22	ARI	GB	ARI	GB	ARI	GB	ARI
23	GB	ARI	GB	ARI	GB	ARI	²⁵GB
24	NE	NE	⁸OAK	NE	¹⁴TB	NE	²⁷NE
25	ATL	⁴KC	ATL	ATL	ATL	ATL	²⁴STL
26	NYG	PIT	CIN	NYG	PIT	CIN	NYG
27	CIN	NYG	PIT	CIN	NYG	PIT	CIN
28	PIT	CIN	NYG	PIT	CIN	NYG	PIT
29	MIN	MIN	MIN	MIN	MIN	MIN	MIN
30	IND	IND	IND	IND	IND	²⁰PHI	IND
31	NO	NO	NO	NO	¹⁵PHI	NO	NO
32	³SEA	DEN	DEN	DEN	¹²DET	DEN	DEN

First round

1. Carolina to San Francisco. Carolina traded its 2010 first-round selection for San Francisco's 2009 second-round selection (43rd overall, used to select Everette Brown) and its 2009 fourth-round selection (111th overall, used to select Mike Goodson).

2. Chicago to Denver. Chicago traded its 2010 first-round selection, its 2009 first- and third-round selections, and quarterback Kyle Orton to Denver for quarterback Jay Cutler and a 2009 fifth-round selection.

3. Denver to Seattle. Denver traded its 2010 first-round selection for Seattle's 2009 second-round selection (37th overall, used to select Alphonso Smith).

Second round

4. Atlanta to Kansas City. Atlanta traded its second-round selection to Kansas City for tight end Tony Gonzalez.

5. Chicago to Tampa Bay Chicago traded its second-round selection to Tampa Bay for defensive end Gaines Adams.

6. Jacksonville to New England. Jacksonville traded its 2010 second-round selection and its 2009 seventh-round selection to New England for the first of New England's 2009 third-round selections (73rd overall, used to select Derek Cox).

7. Tennessee to New England. Tennessee traded its 2010 second-round selection to New England for the third of New England's 2009 third-round selections (89th overall, used to select Jared Cook).

Third round

8. New England to Oakland. New England traded its third and a conditional pick to Oakland for defensive end Derrick Burgess.

9. Seattle to Philadelphia. Seattle traded its third-round selection in 2010 and its fifth- and seventh-round selections in 2009 (137th and 213th overall) for Philadelphia's third-round selection in 2009 (91st overall, used to select Deon Butler).

10. Washington (forfeit). Washington will not have a third-round selection in 2010, as it used a third-round pick in the 2009 Supplemental Draft to choose defensive end Jeremy Jarmon.

Fifth round

11. Dallas to Denver. Dallas traded its fifth-round selection to Denver for guard Montrae Holland.

12. Denver to Detroit. Denver traded its 2010 fifth-round selection and a 2009 seventh-round selection (#235 overall, used to select Zack Follett) to Detroit for a 2009 sixth-round selection (1st selection in round six, #174 overall, used to select Tom Brandstater).

13. Denver to New England. Denver traded its fifth-round selection to New England for defensive lineman Le Kevin Smith and New England's seventh-round selection, which was later traded back to New England.

14. New England to Tampa Bay. New England traded its fifth-round selection to Tampa Bay for tight end Alex Smith.

15. New Orleans to Philadelphia. New Orleans traded its 2010 fifth-round selection and a 2009 seventh-round selection (#222 overall, later traded to Indianapolis) to Philadelphia for a 2009 fifth-round selection (#164 overall, used to select Thomas Morestead).

16. New York Jets to Cleveland. New York traded its fifth round pick, as well as a conditional third-round pick, WR Chansi Stuckey, and LB Jason Trusnik, to Cleveland for WR Braylon Edwards.

17. Tampa Bay to Cleveland. Tampa Bay traded its 2010 fifth-round selection and its 2009 second-round selection to Cleveland for tight end Kellen Winslow II.

18. Carolina to Kansas City. Carolina traded its 2010 fifth-round selection to Kansas City for defensive end Tank Tyler.

19. Miami to Kansas City: Miami traded its 2010 fifth-round selection to Kansas City for quarterback Tyler Thigpen.

Sixth round

20. Indianapolis to Philadelphia. Indianapolis traded its 2010 sixth-round selection to Philadelphia for a 2009 seventh-round selection (#222 overall, used to select Pat McAfee).

21. Oakland to Carolina. Oakland traded its 2010 sixth-round selection and a 2009 seventh-round selection (#216 overall, used to select Captain Munnerlyn) to Carolina for a 2009 sixth-round selection (#202 overall, used to select Brandon Myers).

22. Philadelphia to Buffalo. Philadelphia traded its 2010 sixth-round selection and 2009 first- and fourth-round selections to Buffalo for tackle Jason Peters.

23. Washington to Miami. Washington traded its 2010 sixth-round selection and 2009 second-round selection to Miami for defensive end Jason Taylor.

Seventh round

24. Atlanta to St. Louis: Atlanta traded its 2010 seventh-round selection to the Rams for Tye Hill.

25. Green Bay to New York Jets (returned): Green Bay traded its 2010 seventh-round selection and quarterback Brett Favre to the Jets for the Jets' 2009 third-round selection. The Jets acquired this pick as part of the conditional agreement of the trade in which Favre's performance resulted in the Packers receiving the Jets' 2009 third-round selection, coupled with Favre retiring after the 2008 season. However, this pick has been returned to the Packers.

26. Kansas City to Miami: Kansas City traded its 2010 seventh-round selection to Miami for Miami's 2009 seventh-round selection.

27. New England to Denver (returned): New England traded its 2010 seventh-round selection and Le Kevin Smith to the Broncos for their 2010 fifth-round selection. Denver then traded the selection back to New England for offensive lineman Russ Hochstein.

28. Philadelphia to New England. Philadelphia traded its 2010 seventh-round selection and wide receiver Greg Lewis to New England for New England's 2009 fifth-round selection.

Conditional/Undetermined

29. Carolina to Cleveland: Carolina traded a conditional 2010 selection to Cleveland for DT Louis Leonard.

30. Jacksonville to Tampa Bay: Jacksonville traded an undisclosed 2010 draft choice to Tampa Bay for quarterback Luke McCown.

31. Kansas City to Miami: Kansas City traded an undisclosed 2010 draft choice to Miami for offensive linemen Andy Alleman and Ikechuku Ndukwe.

32. New England to Baltimore: New England traded a conditional 7th round 2010 draft choice to Baltimore for LB Prescott Burgess. Burgess was placed on the Patriots' practice squad, but was claimed by Baltimore after their game against the Patriots, thus nullifying the trade as Burgess did not meet the condition for playing time.

33. New York Jets to Philadelphia: New York traded a 2009 fifth-round selection and a conditional 2010 selection to Philadelphia for CB Lito Sheppard. Depending on Sheppard's playing time in 2009, the selection could be in the second, third, or fourth round.

34. New York Jets to Cleveland. New York traded a conditional third round pick, as well as a fifth round pick, WR Chansi Stuckey, and LB Jason Trusnik, to Cleveland for WR Braylon Edwards. The third-round pick can become a second-round pick based on Edwards' performance with New York.

35. San Diego to Houston: San Diego traded an undisclosed 2010 draft choice to Houston for defensive lineman Travis Johnson.

New Chiefs NT Kenny Smith Plays for the First Time in Six Years

Joel Thorman — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:30:34 -0000

More photos » by Stephan Savoia - AP

7 months ago: New England Patriots veteran outside linebacker Kenny Smith (92) stretches during football practice at the team's training facility in Foxborough, Mass., Wednesday morning, May 20, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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Six years is a long, long time. Think where you were six years ago. For me, it was a completely different phase of life with different problems, situations and friends. A whole lot is different.

For Kenny Smith, he's where he is six years ago - playing in the NFL. Except that those six years in the middle included no regular season snaps. Besides a couple of preseason games, and some offseason work throughout the years, Smith has not been playing football.

With the trade of Tank Tyler, his role in the offense became extremely important. So, how did he do in his first action since 2003?

"I was satisfied," he said. "Technique plays into a lot of it. Maybe a couple of the plays I was a little high but that comes with the repetition in the game."

"I had a couple preseason games after that," he said referring to 2003, "but once you got the mentality to play football things kinda come to you," he said.

Smith rotated in and out even lining up next to the Chiefs other nose tackle Ron Edwards.

"Just coming out there and getting the intensity part of the game, getting the game speed in the first few snaps and getting into the groove of things," Smith said when asked what the hardest part of returning to the regular season was. "Once a couple snaps got away I was able to get things going."

One advantage Smith has is NOT having been on the Chiefs squad the last two years with all the losses, personnel and management turnover. Some might look at that as a good thing where he hasn't become accustomed to all the losing.

"You come into every team with a positive outlook," he said.

The familiarity was helped by watching the Chiefs defense the past few weeks. Smith worked out for the Chiefs a few weeks back and has been keeping an eye on them.

"Of course, I've been watching the teams over the weeks."

Dorsey, Gilberry Options For Chiefs Nose Tackle Depth

Joel Thorman — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:05:47 -0000

More photos » by L.G. Patterson - AP

Wallace Gilberry (right) sure doesn't look like a nose tackle. (AP Photo/L.G. Patterson)

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I caught something interesting in Todd Haley's press conference yesterday afternoon. He was asked who might spell nose tackle Ron Edwards now that Tank Tyler is gone.

"We’ve been giving reps to a couple of different guys that have nose (tackle) possibilities. I think any number of guys: Glenn Dorsey could play in there if need be, Wallace Gilberry’s got some reps, so we’ve got a plan if something were to happen significant."

Dorsey and Gilberry are defensive ends in the Chiefs 3-4.

Dorsey is listed at 6'1", 297 pounds while Gilberry is a slim (?) 6'2", 268 pounds. Not exactly the 6'3", 330 pound nose tackles we see across the league.

We talked a little bit about Kenny Smith yesterday but Haley did acknowledge that he or possibly a practice squad player (Marlon Favorite) could be seeing some time pretty quickly. Haley also said he's encouraged by what he's seen from Smith in just a couple of days but qualified that statement with IF he can stay healthy, which has been a major concern for him over the last six years.

It's hard for me to see Smith playing this weekend but, then again, that wouldn't be the first time I was wrong. If Smith isn't a contributor this weekend, then look for Dorsey and/or Gilberry to possibly fill that role.

(H/T stagdsp for the link!)

Bills/Panthers: Five Questions with Cat Scratch Reader

Brian Galliford — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:11:01 -0000

Coming off of a surprising overtime victory in Week 6, the Buffalo Bills have a little spring in their step as they look to continue their winning ways this weekend. Buffalo's opponents this weekend? The Carolina Panthers, who have won two straight to improve to 2-3 after an 0-3 start to the season.

Neither team should be feeling particularly great about themselves. Buffalo is missing its starting quarterback and several key defenders, and it's still struggling to move the ball and put up points offensively. Meanwhile, Jake Delhomme is doing his best season-long impression of the Week 6 version of Mark Sanchez, and though the Panthers have won two straight, the teams they've bean - 2-4 Washington and 0-6 Tampa Bay - are hardly the cream of the NFL crop.

This is a winnable game for both sides. Here to discuss this weekend's key matchup is Jaxon from SB Nation's Panthers affiliate, a blog by the name of Cat Scratch Reader. His answers to my questions are after the jump; be sure to check out CSR this morning, as the reciprocating Q&A is up as well.

John Fox has steadfastly stood behind Jake Delhomme, despite his throwing 10 interceptions in 5 games. Carolina has won two straight, but have those wins done anything to relieve skepticism surrounding your starting quarterback?

CSR: Even the most die hard Delhomme fan has lost at least a little confidence in the guy. How could throwing INTs in six games not have an effect? Since we have no better options, we don’t talk about it too much, because to bench Jake would seemingly throw in the towel on the season. We aren’t ready to do that, so we quietly pray this will be the week Jake brings his ‘A’ game.

It seems weird to be typing this, but Steve Smith is not your team's leading receiver this year. Fox blamed it on teams doubling Smith constantly. Are we to believe that that didn't happen in years past, when he was averaging 88 catches per season over the last four years? What do you think the issue is?

CSR: The issue is QB Jake Delhomme. What you pointed out in question one has had a huge impact on Steve Smith. Specifically, Delhomme has yet to hit a deep ball on the season, something he and Smith completed routinely in seasons past. Yes, teams continue to bracket Smith, but Delhomme is less inclined to put one up for grabs because of the huge number of INTs he has thrown already. It was very obvious on the game-winning drive last week - when the Panthers ran on 15 of 16 plays - that Delhomme has been reined in. Smith is now getting fewer opportunities to make plays, and he’s getting a little testy about it. I wouldn’t call him disgruntled or be concerned it’s going to cause a rift on the team, just that he takes a lot of pride in making plays and they aren’t happening so far.

The Panthers have struggled to stop the run this season - and they weren't astonishing at it last season, either. Is Ma'ake Kemoeatu missed that much, or are there other factors at play?

CSR: Though the run defense got off to a rough start, the addition of DT Hollis Thomas two weeks ago has had immediate positive results. Plus, we just added Tank Tyler, so we feel we are in fairly good shape at the moment. I don’t think the Bills will put up huge numbers running the ball this week (we hope). Overall, the defense suffered early from mental mistakes related to picking up new DC Ron Meeks' Cover 2 defense. Combine that with poor tackling and an offense that turns the ball over, and that spells 0-3. Much has changed through the last two weeks, and I expect more of the good play to continue this week.

Julius Peppers seems as if he's up to his old tricks, registering 5 sacks in 5 games. What's the best way for the Bills' young offensive line to slow him down?

CSR: Peppers seems to save his best effort for when it’s most important. On first and second down I wouldn’t do anything special to defend against him. On third and long, though, your tackle will need help. The Panthers are moving him back and forth from the left side to the right, so both of your tackles need to be ready for him. We’ve noticed a few times he’s lost containment defending the run, so running some misdirection to his side will slow him down, too. Your QB better have his running shoes on, as designed roll-outs away from Peppers will de-energize him.

The Panthers have, in general, alternated between also-ran and serious playoff contender under John Fox. How toasty is his proverbial hot seat? Any chance he's gone at the end of the year if Carolina doesn't rebound from its slow start?

CSR: That’s a good question. I think 7 wins or more he saves himself. Anything less and the odds go up he will be replaced. I’ve always thought Panthers owner Jerry Richardson had undying loyalty to Fox…until that is Richardson canned his two sons over the offseason because he thought they were a distraction to the team. I think 7 wins coupled with the injuries and poor QB play will be enough to salvage another season. But I don’t think Delhomme would be so lucky if he doesn’t start playing mistake free ball. I love Jake Delhomme but even I can only take so much ugliness.

Chiefs Coach Acknowledges Heavier Load for NT Ron Edwards

Joel Thorman — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:34:50 -0000

More photos » by ED ZURGA - AP

Ron Edwards will need to see more playing time now that Tank Tyler has been traded. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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Number one question following the trade of Tank Tyler to the Carolina Panthers: Who will be the Kansas City Chiefs back up nose tackle?

Well, we know the answer to that. Kenny Smith was signed off the street. However, Smith hasn't played in a regular season game in six years so it's hard for me to imagine he'll completely replace a guy like Tyler who recently had become a 10-15 snaps-per-game player.

Enter Ron Edwards. The 6'3", 315 pounder has been the starter for the last month but was usually given some breathers with Tank's presence. Today, head coach Todd Haley acknowledged that Edwards will need to have the endurance to play more.

"I think he’s so big sometimes those guys have a tendency to wear out a little bit," Haley said this afternoon. "He’s got to think of himself as a full-time player and not a part-time player."

Haley acknowledged Edwards was "up and down early on" but is generally pleased with where he is right now. In fact, he was given the defensive game ball against the Washington Redskins. Coincidentally (or not), Tyler's presence wasn't necessary a day later.

According to Haley, Edwards bought into the program early.

"Ron is a guy who bought in 100% starting in the off-season program," he said. "He changed his body; he’s a big boy and is still a big buy, but he lost a significant number of weight and weight he had been carrying for a long time in his career. He changed over a span of time. I think it’s starting to show and the last couple of weeks he’s been a pretty disruptive force in there."

New Chiefs NT Kenny Smith Could be Playing Soon

Joel Thorman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:00:21 -0000

by Alex Brandon - AP

2 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley adjusts his headset as he paces along the sidelines during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

View full size photo »

The Kansas City Chiefs signed two defensive linemen today. NT Kenny Smith expects to fill the void of Tank Tyler's departure. Former LSU defensive tackle Marlon Favorite was signed to the practice squad.

Ron Edwards is the current nose tackle, and that's one of the more demanding positions so the Chiefs had rotated Tyler in for a 10+ plays at least. Will Kenny Smith contribute quickly?

"We don’t have a lot of noses (tackles) on the roster," Haley said, "so he’s going to be expected to get into it pretty fast. We’ve been taking six linemen to the game and that’s the number we’re at right now.""

Haley said he knows of Smith a little bit from playing against him in the past. The Chiefs worked him out about two weeks ago (around the same time it was reported that three other defensive linemen worked out).

"He’s stout, a strong guy," Haley said. "You shake his hand and he’s got bear mitts. He caught my pinkie quick. I had to yank it out of there. He’ll crush you. He’s a strong guy and I’m looking forward to watching the tape and see what everybody thought about him after one day. It is just one day."

Haley was also asked about that one minor detail - that Smith hasn't played in an NFL game since 2003.

"He had an injury and has rehabbed and it’s been a long way back. But he’s been working hard and he’s in shape. Again, we feel like he has a chance to contribute."

I wish Smith the best with the Chiefs but I would say the odds are stacked against him succeeding. Six years is a long time.

Branden Albert, Mike Goff Miss Chiefs Practice

Joel Thorman — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:16:52 -0000

The Kansas City Chiefs took the field today in preparation for the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. As we noted in various posts this morning, there were two new and one familiar face on the field.

New addition to the active roster, Kenny Smith, was on the field wearing No. 90. Practice squad addition Marlon Favorite was practicing in No. 93, Tank Tyler's old number. Kolby Smith also returned to practice (presumably wearing No. 21).

Two players were also missing from practice according to Josh Looney and Bob Gretz. Branden Albert, who did not travel with the team to Washington last week because of an ankle injury, and Mike Goff, who was not on the field at all today, did not participate in practice.

Albert's injury is worrisome and has caused a bit of a chain reaction. To prepare for his absence last week, the Chiefs activated Barry Richardson (which opened a practice squad spot for Favorite) and activated Ikechuku Ndukwe for the Redskins game.

In a sign that Albert's improving, he was not in a walking boot today and was seen running and jogging (via Bob Gretz).

Goff's absence is unknown at this point. He has had no reported injuries since missing a handful of plays against the Dallas Cowboys a week and a half ago.

Jarrad Page, who missed last week's game, practiced today.

The Chiefs will release an injury report later this afternoon with a few more details on the absence of these players and Gretz might have some more information when his practice report is updated shortly.

2009 NFL Trading Deadline- Open Thread

BigBlueShoe — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:42:03 -0000

More photos » by Scott Heckel - AP

2 months ago: Cleveland Browns' Joshua Cribbs leaps defenders as he rushes for 18 yards after taking a direct snap from center in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/The Repository, Scott Heckel)

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The deadline is in 2 hours and 20 minutes. Will a big deal go through? So far, the only major trade is the Chiefs sending defensive tackle Tank Tyler to the tackle-starved Panthers in exchange for a 5th round pick.

Will the Colts make a move for Joshua Cribbs, Barrett Ruud, or anyone else?

Use this thread to chat away about rumors, possible trades, and actual trades as they happen.