Kansas City Chiefs
Three of the Chiefs’ best players — RB Jamaal Charles and LBs Justin Houston and Tamba Hali — spent the first two-plus weeks of training camp on the physically unable to perform list recovering from knee injuries.
Houston and Hali were still not practicing, although Hali was getting closer. Charles passed his physical Aug. 16 and began limited work in practice.
Charles, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament for the second time in his career Oct. 15 against the Chicago Bears, had snaps in seven-on-seven drills. He did not play Saturday night vs. the Los Angeles Rams.
“We’ll tweak his rehab so that he gets closer to playing. It’s an absolute day-to-day process,” trainer Rick Burkholder said. “We’ll evaluate every day that he’s out here, and then we’ll give him more and more as we go.”
Rookie watch: OLB Dadi Nicolas, a sixth-round pick, played 24 snaps (48%) against the Rams and has caught the attention of coaches. “He’s got a ton to learn, but we appreciate his energy and the way that he attacks,” defensive coordinator Bob Sut
ton said. “As long as you do that, you’ve got a really good chance to make something happen.” ... OT
a 6-9, 318-pound undrafted free agent who has been playing with the second unit at both tackle spots, was suspended for the first four games of the season. He violated the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. He played 32 snaps in the preseason opener and 20 against the Rams.
Noteworthy: The receiving corps looks strengthened with the development of WR Chris Con
ley, who had three catches for 66 yards Saturday with a long of 37. “Physically he’s always had it, and I think mentally he’s been sharp,” QB Alex Smith said. “He’s been seeing things really well. He’s playing fast.”