GRETZ: The Injury Report

Jun 21, 2006, 8:30:54 AM by Bob Gretz - FAQ

Along with the contract negotiators, there’s another group that will still be toiling around Arrowhead Stadium in the coming weeks even as the players and coaches scatter for vacation. The guys in the training room will continue to tend to the bumps and bruises of the roster, hoping that all hands are ready for the start of training camp practices on July 28th in River Falls.

So, let’s update the injury situation and where it stands before the Chiefs head off for vacation.

PRIEST HOLMES
The situation with Holmes remains much as it’s been since his 2005 season ended in San Diego with his neck injury. Holmes has gone through a number of exams, but none have cleared him for contact as of yet. Also, no exam or doctor has told him it’s time to retire.

In a visit to Kansas City over the last few weeks, Holmes made it plain he was prepared to play if given clearance by the doctors. There’s little doubt he wants to be on the field, but it’s hard to believe Holmes would jeopardize the rest of his life if there were any doubts among the doctors as to his readiness to take another whack from somebody like Shawne Merriman.

Again, there remains no timetable on this situation. Holmes could move to the Physically Unable to Perform List during the pre-season if he’s not yet given full clearance for physical contact. That would make him eligible to return to the active roster in late October.

DANTE HALL
Just before the team’s mini-camp back in May, Hall tore ligaments in his left thumb. Had the injury occurred during the season, he would have missed four to six games. He’s been an observer during OTA practices through last week and has been a no show for the first two sessions of this week.

Hall should be ready for full work with the start of training camp.

ERIC HICKS
Off-season surgery on Hicks’ right rotator cuff has kept him out of the action in the mini-camp and OTA practices. He’s been conditioning for several months now and appears to be in very good physical shape, which is nothing unusual since Hicks has always been one of the best-conditioned defensive linemen.

The hope is that he’ll be ready to go for the start of training camp, but it’s more likely that he’ll be limited in the first weeks in River Falls, maybe even for the whole pre-season.

RON EDWARDS
The big defensive tackle signed as a free agent during the off-season and has missed the entire on-field portion of the mini-camp and OTAs as he recovers from surgery on his right shoulder.

Edwards suffered the injury in an October 2nd game last year when he was with the Bills. He ended up spending 12 games on the injured reserve list. Right now, it doesn’t appear likely he’ll be ready for full pads and work at the start of camp.

BENNY SAPP
Another off-season shoulder surgery here with the Chiefs nickel back has kept him out of drills in this off-season. He suffered the injury late in the 2005 season. Right now all indications are he’ll be ready to go for training camp, but will probably be limited at the start.

WILLIAM BARTEE
The veteran safety’s work in the OTAs has been limited because of an Achilles problem. He’s expected to be ready for the start of camp.

JUNIOR SIAVII
The big defensive tackle had off-season arthroscopic surgery to clean up debris in his knees. He took part in a segment of the mini-camp in May, but has been on the sidelines ever since. The Chiefs expect him to be ready for full practice come training camp.

MARCUS MAXEY
The rookie draft choice suffered a bruise on his knee during mini-camp and has been watching since. He’s expected to be ready for the start of camp.

Also, a pair of NFL Europe defensive backs returned from the spring season with injuries. Justin Perkins has a turf toe injury on his right foot and Gabriel Helms had a shoulder injury that required surgery.

The opinions offered in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the Kansas City Chiefs.

---

A former beat reporter who covered the Pittsburgh Steelers during their glory years, Gretz covered the Chiefs for the Kansas City Star for nine years. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Board of Selectors. He has been the senior columnist for the Chiefs web site since its inception.