SB Nation - Chris Patrick

49ers-Titans Wednesday Injury Report and practice transcript

Fooch — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:44:42 -0000

There's nothing all that shocking in today's practice report. The 49ers are banged up as expected in certain areas, although they might be getting Reggie Smith back this week. Given the depth issues at cornerback, I'd imagine Smith might get to move around a bit on the field if he's healthy. He's listed as a safety, but he does have plenty of corner experience.

I've also attached the post-practice transcript for Mike Singletary and Alex Smith. Earlier today somebody made a comment in a FanPost about Parys Haralson being a disappointment. I know that there has also been plenty of grumbling about Ahmad Brooks. Coach Singletary commented on that issue directly:

On LB Parys Haralson's lower sack numbers than last year and LB Ahmad Brooks' decreased playing time against the Colts:

"First of all with Parys Haralson, what teams have done since maybe the first four games that we've had is begin to do more max protection. Those are things that we have to work through. It exposes us on the back end a little bit more. Guys have to be more disciplined, stay with their receivers longer and make sure they don't lose track of that. Parys Haralson, I think, will do just fine. I think that's just where we are right now. Teams, they're trying to protect their quarterbacks too. But, the max protection, that's one of the main things that has happened, for all of our guys. But, we're still trying to find a way to get there, and we will. Something just has to get better. Ahmad Brooks has done a great job on special teams and he'll see more time on the third down situation. He has to because he's a talented guy and he's just kind of getting back healthy from the knee and everything else. We'll definitely see more of him."

On whether there was any other reason Brooks played less:

"No. As a matter of fact, he's earned the right to play more. You will see more of him."

49ers
Out (Definitely Will Not Play)
CB Nate Clements (shoulder)
DE Demetric Evans (shoulder)
OT Joe Staley (knee)

Did not Participate in Practice
DE Justin Smith (not injury related)
LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder)

Limited Participation in Practice
SS Reggie Smith (groin)

Titans
Did not Participate in Practice
OT Mike Otto (knee)
RB Javon Ringer (back)
LB David Thornton (hip)

Limited Participation in Practice
CB Nicholas Harper (forearm)
DE Jevon Kearse (knee)

After the jump we've got Coach Singletary and Alex Smith's post-practice transcripts.

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Walk Thru - November 4, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

Opening statements:

"Once again, another tremendous opportunity this weekend. We're very excited about the game that we have coming up, excited to be back home again. The Titans are a good football team, as you well know, but we feel we're a good football team too. We're just out here working, continuing to put the pieces together. As far as who's up this week, in terms of what was different than last week, obviously [CB] Nate Clements is down. [LT] Joe Staley is down. [DT] Demetric Evans is down. [DT] Ricky Jean-Francois will be up. [S] Reggie Smith, we have a chance to get him back, and [T] Chris Patrick is up. Any other questions go right ahead."

On whether he has any concerns about depth on offensive line:

"I think we'll be fine going forward. That's where we are. That's what we have. I'm very thankful that Patrick was able to come in, and that's going to help us with our depth."

On whether Patrick is the backup at both right and left tackle:

"Yes."

On whether T Barry Sims remains at left tackle:

"Yes, for right now."

On whether he has to remind himself that the Titans are the same team that went 13-3 last season:

"I don't ever really look at the record. We can't afford to be letting our guard down. We're trying to get somewhere. I'm not really thinking about their record. I just look at the film. The film is always the thing that is telling you the truth. So, for us, we know we're playing a good football team. They're a very talented team. They're big and physical. They've got their quarterback back, Vince Young, who's excited to be starting again. They've got a tremendous running back. They've got a defense that's very talented - quick, fast. Trust me, we have no problem getting sidetracked here. We know exactly what we're getting in to and we're excited about the opportunity and the challenge to play before our fans and continue to get better and take strides where we need to go."

On how Titans QB Vince Young has looked on film:

"He can make some things happen with his feet. He's a better quarterback than he was before, and I thought he was a good quarterback before. Whenever a quarterback has a chance to sit down and watch another quarterback, it does something to them. It helps them develop. It helps them study. It helps that inner drive and all those things. But, Vince is definitely a good quarterback and poses a lot of different threats. It's going to give us, defensively, all that we can handle. So, we're excited about the challenge."

On whether he's pleased with QB Alex Smith's development:

"Yes, I was. I was very excited about what I saw. I think the entire team was, but not surprised. I just think it's one of those things where he's ready. He's just going to continue to get better - the more things that we can do to surround him with the tools and have the guys in front of him - the o-line continued to protect him. They did a pretty decent job last week. I think the right side of our line took a big step last week, and I think they're on the road to getting better. We're just continuing to fight and continuing to go forward and get where we need to go."

On whether he has more trust in Smith to give him more responsibility:

"That's every week. Week-in and week-out, as the quarterback, there are a lot of other intangibles that go into it. But, absolutely. As I sit down and talk with [offensive coordinator] Jimmy [Raye] and [quarterbacks coach] Mike Johnson, it's just a matter of this guy is ahead of schedule. He's working his tail off. He's making the reads, and that just shows that when he wasn't playing, he was doing some of the things that he had to do to continue to get better instead of sitting back and pouting and doing some of the other things that he could have done. So, I'm excited about him. I'm excited about his growth. I'm excited about where he's at. I'm excited about where he can go."

On whether he will expose Smith to a more wide open offense in practice:

"Well, once again we talk about the trust factor. I think he is going to show us day-in and day-out what he can and can't do and when he's ready. Sitting down and talking is one thing. Going out there and doing it is another. I just think that we have to take it a step at a time and realize that this is his second start of the season. We just have to let him continue to let us know where he is."

On whether he thought Jeff Fisher could be a future coach when they were both rookies for the Bears:

"No, I didn't because Jeff didn't want to coach. As a matter of fact, when Jeff left football, he went back to the computer business, and that's what he wanted to do. He and I talked about it a few times. Jeff wanted to be a business man and raise a family. Buddy Ryan was relentless talking to both Jeff and myself. He wanted one of us to go with him, and Jeff ended up being that guy."

On whether he ever regrets not coaching earlier:

"No, not one bit. I know my kids. I know my wife. I feel very good about who I am, and I had some very good lessons that I learned in the time I was out of football - best thing that ever happened."

On how the toughest period he's experienced as a head coach has been for him:

"Couldn't be any better. If it's going to happen, happen right now. Happen right now. Give me all we can take, and we've had about all we can take. So, I don't wish for any more, but it couldn't be any better. All it's doing is it's developing this team from the inside out. All of the guys that were on board at 3-1, are still on board now. I love times like this because I know we're going to come out of it. I know we're going to go forward. So, I'm very thankful for these times because this game is so much like life, it's amazing. You have to rise up when things are not going the way you want them to go. You have to find a way to work through it, get around it, go over it, go under it - whatever it is. That's where we are. With the character of guys on this team, I'm very excited about that."

On where the punt returner position stands:

"Well, that's going to be a day-to-day thing. Thankfully, we have two. I think [WR] Brandon Jones, obviously, he's a guy that can do it, and [WR] Arnaz [Battle]. I still trust Arnaz to do a great job. We have both of those guys and that's where we are."

On LB Parys Haralson's lower sack numbers than last year and LB Ahmad Brooks' decreased playing time against the Colts:

"First of all with Parys Haralson, what teams have done since maybe the first four games that we've had is begin to do more max protection. Those are things that we have to work through. It exposes us on the back end a little bit more. Guys have to be more disciplined, stay with their receivers longer and make sure they don't lose track of that. Parys Haralson, I think, will do just fine. I think that's just where we are right now. Teams, they're trying to protect their quarterbacks too. But, the max protection, that's one of the main things that has happened, for all of our guys. But, we're still trying to find a way to get there, and we will. Something just has to get better. Ahmad Brooks has done a great job on special teams and he'll see more time on the third down situation. He has to because he's a talented guy and he's just kind of getting back healthy from the knee and everything else. We'll definitely see more of him."

On whether there was any other reason Brooks played less:

"No. As a matter of fact, he's earned the right to play more. You will see more of him."

On how to prepare in practice for a running quarterback like Vince Young:

"I think the biggest thing is you definitely can't emulate Vince Young, but I just think we have to make sure what's really important is on the back end. Our guys, when Vince is running, can't lose track of the guy that they're on. We have to make sure that our guys are very disciplined downfield and stay with their guys. I don't care what happens. If Vince breaks loose, we just have to rally everybody together, the fronts, the linebackers and try to make a play. We have to make sure that we're very disciplined on the back end. That's the biggest thing."

QB Alex Smith
Post-Walk-Thru - November 4, 2009
San Francisco 49ers

On his camaraderie with Titans QB Vince Young:

"I've met Vince a few times a various events around the league and had the chance to meet him and talk to him."

On contrasts and similarities between him and Vince Young:

"Every situation, especially for early draft pick quarterbacks, they are all different. Every circumstance is different from the next and I don't think that you can judge any two alike. Every guy walks into a different locker room with different pieces around him and things in place and you have to adjust to that. Obviously, I think with that you still have ups and downs that you have in common as well."

On the comparison to Vince Young in getting a second chance at a starting QB role:

"If that's what they want to make of it in the end, this isn't cliché but, it is really about what each of us can do to help our team win. In the end that's all that matters, especially from the quarterback position. That's all anyone is going to remember about this. What can we each do to help our team go out there and win on Sunday."

On learning patience when he wasn't starting:

"I think you do, I think you get that. I think that, at least in my case, you try to make too much happen when you watch a lot of the football. You see that good quarterbacking is making good decisions with what the defense gives you, getting the ball in the hands of your playmakers and letting them make plays. I think just not trying to force things and letting those things come to you. A lot of times you might not even know the play that made the difference in the game, but then you look at the film the next day and it was just because you were playing football you look back and say ‘hey, I did this and this really gave us a good chance to win.' You might have not known it at the time, but you were just doing your job. I think that those are the things that I look back on."

On how he would evaluate the balance of both the running and passing game:

"You right now it's hard to say. Maybe at the end of the season, we'll look back and reflect on it, but right now you move on. You play on Sunday, you go over those mistakes, you correct things that need to get corrected and move on. There's not a lot of time in the week to reflect on where you are at in the season. But everything, obviously, is all a work in progress. Over a 16 game season, it's always moving one way and it works together - both of them go hand in hand."

On what are the strengths of both the running and passing game:

"I think that we do good things with both. Consistency is what we're lacking. In the few times we've put ourselves in bad situations, in third-and-longs, especially this last week and that resulted in not moving the chains. I don't care who you play in the NFL, in that many third-and-longs, it's hard to convert. I think that's the thing that we are lacking. We need more consistency in both areas."

On his reaction to offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye's use of the offensive personnel:

"No different, I guess. In a sense you're still going out there and doing your job. I think that, obviously, more is going to get put on your plate as a quarterback if that's the scenario. But, there are games like that, you play quarterback and sometimes you get down and all of a sudden you're throwing the ball 40 or 50 times. You don't like to be in that circumstance when you do it, but it happens. You have to be ready for that. We could face a team where that is what they are going to do. They are going to do everything they can to take away the run and we are going to have to step up outside. So, you are ready for anything."

On whether he would like to be a passing team or running team:

"Winning. Honestly, whatever it is, whether it is [RB] Frank [Gore] running for a bunch of yards, or us throwing for a bunch of yards or both. In the end, that is what is going to change things around here."

On whether he prefers the shotgun or lining up under center:

"If there's no run threat, then I'd probably rather be in the gun. But, it's that balance we have with Frank in the backfield and when you're under center, all of a sudden, you give a defense multiple things to think about. They have to worry about if it is a run or pass. They have to be thinking about both things and that will help us."

On playing at home:

"It will be nice not to deal with crowd noise, that's for sure. No crowd throughout the week has saved my voice. It is nice to come home for a home game. That does allow you do to some things on offense, especially with cadence to mix up some things and give you a little edge."

On whether it is possible to stay in a two-minute offense for most of the game:

"I mean, I guess we could do anything out there. I don't know if that is something you would want to do for an extended period of time. It could be something you may go in and out of to mix things up. It is something we work hard at and we obviously will continue to work hard it because it is such an important part of the game. So many games in the NFL come down to two-minute situations, defense or on offense. When you look at last week, if you are good at that, there are ways to steal points before the half. Those are ways to change a game."

On his comfort level on Sunday:

"It is not something I consciously think about. You are preparing yourself to go out there and play a game and everything you need to go out there and make decisions. In a sense, it is slowing it down. That's what it appears like. The more prepared you are to go out there on game day, the quicker decisions you are going to make, the better you are going to see things, the better the ball is going to come out, the more accurate you are going to look, all those things. The better timing you are going to have, all those things play into it. I think that comes from preparation and you going into game day feeling good about what you are going to do."

On whether he is surprised with the performance of WR Michael Crabtree:

"I'm not surprised. I didn't have any expectation level. It was just kind of wait and see in a sense. I think over the past few weeks getting to know him, it is not surprising. The thing I love about him is his approach to the game. He doesn't let the game get too big. He just goes out there and it seems like he keeps it all on the same level, keeps it in perspective. He just goes out there and does his job. For a guy who has only been here a few weeks, missed all of training camp, to come in and compete the way he has and to go out there and make plays for us has been big."

On Crabtree's strengths:

"He is very natural. He is a very natural receiver. He has great instincts with the ball in the air, coming back to balls, being friendly for a quarterback. His body language is easy to read. Also, he has the ability to go out there and compete on such a short notice, to be learning the playbook as he goes and to go out there and play fast and compete."

On whether Crabtree is the type of receiver he likes throwing jump balls too:

"Yeah, to a guy that you know is going to compete for a ball in the air and come back and protect you. Those are all things that give you a lot of trust."

On whether he could develop a real connection with Crabtree for many years:

"I'm excited about the opportunity this offense has. I'm excited about all the pieces we have in place and our potential to grow together. That's what this is, it is potential. You have to go out there and do it. It is everybody on offense and our ability to go out there and really work together."

On the Titans defense:

"I think they give a lot for a quarterback to think about. They present a lot from the defensive side, especially for the secondary. They give a lot of different looks, play multiple different coverages from multiple formations. They don't play one or two coverages. You may see every coverage there is in the book. You have to be ready for it and have answers for all of it."

Golden Nuggets: Liking the extension

Ninjames — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:15:16 -0000

Morning folks. Once again we have a good bit of news coming out of 49erland. The Niners made some changes and I did nothing all day but sit and reflect on said changes. Unfortunately right now I'm in a bit of a hurry so I'll keep my amazing and thoughtful commentary to a minimum. The most notable of the news concerns CB Tarrell Brown, who received an extension despite doing... well, nothing this season. Still, he's my favorite defensive back on the team and I've been clamoring for him to get more playing time so we'll see what happens. I've got more news for you concerning the safeties and of course some articles about quarterback Alex Smith and more than likely a couple more concerning WR Michael Crabtree. So without further ado, how about some links?

Maiocco feels that his initial prediction for the 49ers may not hold up. He's definitely second guessing himself. That prediction? That the 49ers would go to the playoffs. Ouch. (PressDemocrat.com)

The 49ers signed OT Chris Patrick to the 53-man roster and also signed a TE to the practice squad. (49ers.com)

CB Tarrell Brown got an extension, it was for three years and a good amount of money. Good luck to the kid. (49ers.com)

Here's yesterday's edition of Singletary's Notebook. (49ers.com)

Alex Smith has been waiting patiently for his chance to start. He is more confident and mature these days. Call me unconvinced. (Yahoo.com)

He's got unfinished business. Well, I certainly hope he can finish it. (49ers.com)

FS Dashon Goldson will be wearing the radio helmet on Sunday, not Patrick Willis. Interesting choice, if you ask me, but I'm suspicious by nature. (MercuryNews.com)

Because I'm awesome, I recapped some of the recent 49ers moves, find it here. (NFLTouchdown.com)

Were the 49ers better off with Allen Rossum on the team? Well he's a [site decorum] sight better than Micheal Spurlock and Arnaz Battle, that's for sure. (Examiner.com)

Be sure to check out the game center for Sundays game. (NFL.com)

The offense is striving for balance as a unit. (49ers.com)

Could Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree be the revival of the 49ers this season? I hope so, I'm about to lose a whole lotta hope. (CBSSports.com)

Here's Maiocco's player-by-player review, along with dispelling some myths about the team's performance. (PressDemocrat.com)

Hey, it's the guy who scares the crap out of me: Dwight Freeney, and he's got a fastball. (SacBee.com)

I hate linking to this guys' articles. I don't know if he even knows what he's talking about because I never read beyond the first few sentences, I learned better than that a long time ago. Still, I suppose some of you might like him. Something or other about Alex Smith. (SFGate.com)

The Niners defense is riding on a Smith as well as the offense--Justin Smith. (SFGate.com)

Some of the 49ers players made their World Series picks. Baseball is about the only sport I don't really pay attention to. (49ers.com)

Once again if you have any questions for Colts fans head over to the thread here, and check out the thread over there and answer any questions they may have for us. (StampedeBlue/NinersNation.com)

How about um.. an injury report, to finish? (NinersNation.com)

Chiefs Sign a Familiar Name to the Practice Squad

Joel Thorman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:25:00 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs safety Ricky Price (35) waits for the start of morning practice during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis., Monday, Aug. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Browse more photos »

The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed Ricky Price to their practice squad according to Adam Caplan of Scout. A 6'1", 195 pound safety out of Oklahoma State, Price went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft

Price originally signed with the Chiefs on May 8th of this year after going undrafted in April's draft. He went to the club's rookie mini-camp and participated in offseason workouts.

I always figured him a long shot to make the team not necessarily because of his play but because Jon McGraw and Jarrad Page were ahead of him on the depth chart at the time.

He spent all of training camp with the Chiefs and was released on the evening of September 5th, which was the final cutdown day prior to the season.

With Jon McGraw and Jarrad Page having been banged up the past few weeks, it's possible this is a precautionary move. That's just a guess, though.

That fills the Chiefs practice squad after OT Chris Patrick was nabbed by the San Francisco 49ers earlier this week.

Golden Nuggets: Looking for an o-line, any o-line..

Ninjames — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:57 -0000

Well, maybe not the Packers o-line. Anyway, the 49ers made some moves yesterday, though I'm not sure how to take them. Or rather, I'm not sure how I feel about losing T Tony Pashos to IR. I mean of course it's never good to see somebody hurt but at the same time I feel that he wasn't playing so well at RT and his promotion to starter came because he was simply there. Still, does this mean Barry Sims gets the start? If so, I doubt I'll even watch the Colts game because I have zero faith in him whatsoever. Still, the team did promote a certain linebacker to the active roster, a certain linebacker that I happen to think can be really good when it all comes down to it. So I've got some links for you, should be a good day news wise but I'm still not optimistic about the game on Sunday and I doubt I will be at any point.

The 49ers lost Tony Pashos to injured reserve yesterday with a shoulder injury. (PressDemocrat.com)

They then signed a tackle from the Chief's practice squad who I've never heard of. (SacBee.com)

LB Marques Harris was released yesterday as well, and the 49ers elevated Diyral Briggs from the practice squad. This move I have a small bit of optimism for, seeing as how I believe Briggs can be a great LB of the future. (49ers.com)

Here's a look at the 49ers wide receivers, or rather, who the receivers will be for the future of the franchise. (SacBee.com)

There are those who think QB Alex Smith can play. There are those that think he will be very good. Then there are those like me and well.. I'll not get into it. (NFL.com)

I mean, it really will be hard for me to adjust. Can Alex be a different quarterback this time around? We'll see. (SFGate.com)

How about some Insight on Indy? A look at the team that the 49ers are playing on Sunday. (49ers.com)

Here's The Wrap Up for last Sunday's game against Houston. (49ers.com)

QB Shaun Hill says fellow signal caller Alex Smith has improved over the four years he's seen him. (PressDemocrat.com)

The team seems to be playing it safe with S Michael Lewis, which is a good thing to me. He's a good player with good instincts and I'd hate to lose him for the season and possibly his career by throwing caution aside. (SFGate.com)

What all do the 49ers have to worry about? A lot more than just the quarterback situation, it seems. (MercuryNews.com)

There's a bit of an update on the 49ers new stadium, but I didn't take the time to read this article, I confess. I just don't follow it with much interest, is all. (MercuryNews.com)

Why don't you head over and answer any questions Colts fans have for us Niner fans at SBNation's resident Colts blog? While you're at it, if you have any questions for them head over to their thread at NN here. (StampedeBlue/NinersNation.com)

Why not head over to NFL.com and do some pro bowl voting? Of course if you feel like any 49ers deserve it, vote for them, I try to keep mine realistic. I voted for TE Vernon Davis, ILB Patrick Willis and C Eric Heitman. I hate this though, how early this voting is. It's pretty much a joke at this point, but oh well. (NFL.com)

49ers Make Roster Changes; Pashos to IR

Ninjames — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:24:35 -0000

The San Francisco 49ers today announced that they have placed T Tony Pashos on the Injured Reserve List. Pashos suffered a fractured scapula in Sunday’s game at Houston. Pashos was signed by the 49ers on September 7, 2009, and went on to appear in five games, starting for the first time this past week at Houston.

They have since signed T Chris Patrick from the Chiefs practice squad to fill his roster spot. As for who will get the start at RT, nothing has been stated as of yet.

The team has also announced that they have released LB Marques Harris and promoted LB Diyral Briggs to the active roster from the practice squad. Briggs spent the first six games of the regular season on the 49ers practice squad, after being signed as an undrafted free agent by San Francisco in 2009 out of Bowling Green.

Harris was signed by the 49ers on April 30, 2009, and appeared in four games this season

49ers Swipe a Chiefs Practice Squad Player

Joel Thorman — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:16:40 -0000

The San Francisco 49ers have signed Chris Patrick off of the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad Adam Caplan of Scout reports. The Chiefs re-signed Quinten Lawrence to the practice squad today as well.

Patrick is an offensive tackle that was signed on that day when the Chiefs have eight personnel moves in less than 24 hours.

Patrick was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He's had stints with the New England Patriots,Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.

It's unclear what the connection from the 49ers to Patrick is at this point.

Despite other reports, the Chiefs still have an open spot on the practice squad following Patrick's release. Lawrence did not take his spot.

So expect another roster move for the Chiefs shortly.

(H/T clarry for the link)

Kansas City Chiefs Week Three Storylines

Chris Thorman — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:13:10 -0000

via www.kcchiefs.com

View full size photo »

We had quite a bit of news over the last week concerning the Kansas City Chiefs.

After the jump, here's what I'm talking about:

Dwayne Bowe's status
Starting right tackle
Where TE Leonard Pope may fit in today
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Roster moves this week

Click Continue Reading to check out the rest.

Will Dwayne Bowe play?

Bowe didn't play against the Eagles last week because of a hamstring injury. He didn't practice on Wednesday but Bowe did end up getting on the field with the second team WRs on Thursday and Friday. Here's the last we heard on Friday, from Bob Gretz:

Bob Gretz reports that Bowe was running routes and doing it with "speed and explosion" during today's practice. The report said he was certainly running with more power than Thursday's session which is excellent news for Bowe's availability on Sunday against the New York Giants.

Bowe is listed as questionable on the Chiefs injury report, which officially means he has a 50/50 shot of playing. LB Derrick Johnson is listed as probable, which means he'll play.

Who will start at right tackle?

Recently signed tackle Ryan O'Callaghan was moved ahead of previous RT starter Ikechuku Ndukwe on the depth chart this week. Here's what Todd Haley had to say about the move on Friday:

Haley also talked a little bit about the offensive line. Earlier in the week, there was a change made on the depth chart. Right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan was moved up to the No. 1 team ahead of Ikechuku Ndukwe. Both players were acquired this season so it's interesting to watch the development of each. As of this week, O'Callaghan has been running with the first team. Ndukwe started the first three games at right tackle.

Haley said he won't determine a starter for Sunday's game until he talks to his staff but did have some encouraging words for O'Callaghan.

"I think he knows who to block," Haley said of O'Callaghan. "That’s real important around here right now, as it always is, but probably most important now. He’s been in there and made very few mental errors. He’s a big guy who’s got some experience under his belt. He looks like he’s excited."

I think you can safely pencil in O'Callaghan in at starting RT today.

Will newly signed TE Leonard Pope see any action?

Nothing definitive has been said about Leonard Pope's role today against the Giants but it looks like Todd Haley wants the former Arizona Cardinal to get in the game as soon as he can:

"Leonard’s a big guy who’s real tough, fast, can really stretch the field," he said when asked about Pope. "I think he’s a great individual – one of my favorites there from Arizona who will give you a full day’s work and your money’s worth every single day. He likes to play and he likes to practice. He’s my kind of guy. When we got the opportunity to bring somebody in we were happy to get Leonard."

Haley indicated that Pope could indeed see time on Sunday. "He's practicing to play," he said.

Pope is listed as the team's fourth TE on the depth chart, which is typical placement for a new player. I doubt Pope gets in much today.

Wearing pink on the field

Since it's National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a few of the Chiefs will be sporting pink to raise awareness.

The game itself will have a special pink feel. Pink ribbons will be painted on the field at Arrowhead and affixed on the back of the players’ helmets. Additionally, various Chiefs players will be using special pink items such as cleats, gloves, towels, etc.

WR Bobby Engram will be wearing pink cleats and LB Mike Vrabel will be wearing pink gloves.

Roster moves

The Chiefs had a handful of roster moves this week too. Here's what went down:

Cut - LB Monty Beisel, CB Ricardo Colclough
Traded - QB Tyler Thigpen (conditional draft pick)
Added to PS - T Chris Patrick
Released from PS - TE Tom Crabtree
Signed - TE Leonard Pope, CB Mike Richardson, LB David Herron

Chime in with any pre-game thoughts you may have.

Notes on New Chiefs Plus Pollard to Texans' First Team

Joel Thorman — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:16:57 -0000

I've got a few notes on a few of the new Kansas City Chiefs players. We've already covered Leonard Pope, the new tight end but haven't talked much about Chris Patrick, Mike Richardson and David Herron.

I've also got a nugget on former Chief Bernard Pollard.

Pollard taking first team reps

Former Kansas City Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard was without a job for several weeks. He had a workout with the Houston Texans and eventually signed with them before being inactive in his first contest last week. This week, however, things are much different.

Pollard has been taking first team reps this week and could possibly start against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. Learning the playbook is easy, much like Leonard Pope with Todd Haley, because Pollard is familiar with the Texans secondary coach, David Gibbs, who spent time with the Chiefs.

"The playbook is pretty much like we had in Kansas City the first couple of years," Pollard said. "Gibbs was my coach there, so I know the bulk of it, and I feel like I can go out and help my teammates. We really want to win. We saw a game slip by last week that should not have, but it's a new week, a new team, and we've got to go out there and we've got to play ball."

The Texans have had some troubles in the secondary so Pollard will get an opportunity to make an impact early.

A few notes on practice squad addition Chris Patrick

He's bounced around the league for a couple years playing with half a dozen different teams. I found a pretty cool interview of Patrick as he headed into the supplemental draft a couple years back. It's a pretty good read, which you can read here. Here are a couple of highlights.

What position do you expect to play?

"I’ve heard every position on the line except for center. I can play tackle, but I can also play guard so that’s just another valuable asset that I can do. A team can put me wherever they want and I can bring multiple things to the table because of my versatility.

What NFL player do you compare yourself to?

"Matt Light from the Patriots. I’m comparable in size and ability. I always admired guys like him and the Broncos Ben Hamilton. Hamilton isn’t very big but he is very effective and knows exactly what he should be doing on every play. I played in a zone blocking scheme under coach Callahan like they run in Denver so I can appreciate what goes into it."

Pats Pulpit fills us in on Mike Richardson

I asked Pats Pulpit to give me a few notes on the newest Chief and former Patriot Mike Richardson:

"Mike Richardson missed his rookie 2007 season due to an injury, but ended up being a solid special teams player, frequently recording the highest number of special teams tackles in a game. As a backup corner, Mike would grab some reps but, ultimately, was the victim of a deep cornerback corps.

"As his Patriots experience suggests, he will fit well on special teams, but will most likely see little time on a team with sufficient depth at corner."

Daily Norseman fills us in on David Herron

I asked Gonzo from the Daily Norseman to give us a few notes on former Viking and new Chief David Herron:

"Herron was a pretty non-descript player during his time in Minnesota, contributing primarily on special teams. He was a pretty solid special teamer, and was a pretty good run defender when he got into the game as an actual linebacker.

"The most regular season action I remember him getting was last year against Tennessee after primary middle linebacker E.J. Henderson got injured. He filled in at middle linebacker for the better part of the afternoon, and the team was so impressed by his performance at MLB that they signed former Viking (and former Chief) Napoleon Harris shortly thereafter, and Harris was the starter at MLB the rest of the way.

"Wait. . .maybe that means they weren't impressed.

"He might be a better fit in the Chiefs' 3-4 system than he was in a 4-3 in Minnesota. Like I said, he's a pretty good run-stopper, but doesn't offer much in the way of coverage ability. He'll also help the Chiefs on special teams. He's not really somebody that you can build a defense around or anything, but he has a chance to be a solid contributor in Kansas City."

Chiefs Roster Moves Put Only 51 on Active Roster

Joel Thorman — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 12:26:52 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

The Chiefs traded Tyler Thigpen to the Dolphins. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Browse more photos »

We've had some busy days around here, especially with this new Kansas City Chiefs regime, but it may be hard to top yesterday. Maybe it was just the timing of everything being reported at the same time but it was a whirlwind of activity yesterday (particularly yesterday evening which tells you that you need to read Arrowhead Pride at all times of the day).

The biggest thing to remember after yesterday is that the Chiefs now have TWO open roster spots. And you better believe Pioli and Co. won't be wasting those spots. I fully expect there to be two new Chiefs by this afternoon.

Basically what I'm saying is that this is going to be a fun day. If people at work are expecting you to be productive, why don't you go ahead and pull a Costanza and hide under the desk.

I'm going to recap the moves made yesterday here. For a look at the situations surrounding all these moves, check out Josh Looney's take at the Mothership.

Just as a quick review, here are the Chiefs moves yesterday:

QB Thigpen traded (1:04 PM)

Yes the Chiefs traded Tyler Thigpen. We're guessing the compensation is around a 4th-6th round draft pick, obviously hoping that it's closer to a fourth. Trading a quarterback is always surprising (which we've been involved with twice now) but this move should have been expected at some point.

Do the Chiefs have anyone in for a workout today? (5:06 PM)

I had no idea what I was about to get into...

Chiefs sign TE Pope (5:22 PM)

The Chiefs worked him out a few weeks ago and, with the Thigpen trade creating a roster spot, he and the Chiefs agreed to terms. He's 6'8", 264 pounds so he presents some possible matchup problems in the red zone. At this point, the writing was on the wall for one of the tight ends since teams rarely carry four.

Chiefs workout RT Tauscher (5:43 PM)

This is believed to be his first workout since coming off of ACL surgery. The Chiefs recently made a change on the depth chart at right tackle so we'll see what they do with this. No movement on this as of right now.

Release three and sign two (5:56 PM)

The Chiefs officially made these announcements (one of which we already knew about)

Released: LB Monty Beisel, CB Ricardo Colclough and TE Tom Crabtree (practice squad)
Signed: TE Leonard Pope (we knew about this) and T Chris Patrick (practice squad - more on him later).

Kansas City Chiefs Sign Two, Release Three

Joel Thorman — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 22:56:08 -0000

There's been a lot of movement in the last hour so scan the front page to get caught up but here we go...

The Kansas City Chiefs officially announced the arrival of former Arizona Cardinals tight end Leonard Pope. They also announced that the team has added T Chris Patrick to the practice squad.

Here is our story on the Pope signing.

Patrick was signed by the Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He's had stints with the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Chiefs also announced that the club has released LB Monty Beisel and CB Ricardo Colclough.

Beisel is a bit of a surprise considering the team brought him on this offseason. He was behind Demorrio Williams and Derrick Johnson on the depth chart.

The Chiefs have tried Ricardo Colclough out as a punt returner at times but he hasn't seen much game action in that capacity. The team has worked out multiple defensive backs in recent weeks so the writing may have been on the wall for Colclough.

We're not done yet: The team also announced that Tom Crabtree has been released from the practice squad.

Make the jump to walk through all of today's roster moves with me and see how many roster spots we have open.

Subtractions

Tyler Thigpen
Monty Beisel
Ricardo Colclough
Tom Crabtree (PS)

Additions

Leonard Pope
Chris Patrick (PS)

By my count that leaves two spots open on the 53 man roster. Folks, we've still got some moves to be made!