The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to open their season on Sunday against the New England Patriots without defensive end Frank Clark, who is still recovering from knee surgery. But Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said Thursday that Clark won’t be 100 percent healthy for the game.
DC Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator, says he doesn’t know if Frank Clark will be 100% healthy for the team’s opener. Spagnuolo was asked about Clark’s availability after Clark missed all of training camp with a hamstring injury. “It’s a week-to-week thing,” Spagnuolo said Monday. “We’re hoping that he can get back to where he’s doing the activity, but the training staff is really taking good care of him.”
According to Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo , without getting into specifics, he’s “not as far along as I would like him,” as it pertains to the health of outside linebacker Frank Clark , who is vying for a roster spot during ChiefsTrainingCamp.com’s visit to St. Joseph, Missouri. Clark missed the first five days of training camp with a hamstring injury, and it remains to be seen how much he’ll be able to contribute to the Chiefs when their season begins.
Getty Following the Chiefs’ victory on Sunday, Frank Clark #55 had some harsh words for running back Derrick Henry. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images/David Eulitt) )
As of Thursday, September 9, the Kansas City Chiefs are three days away from their regular-season opening versus the Cleveland Browns. And now that the second injury report for the 2021 season has been out, there is some worry about one of Kansas City’s top players, particularly following comments from one of the team’s coaches.
‘We’ll tread carefully,’ says Spagnuolo.
According to Kansas City’s official website, defensive end Frank Clark, who hurt his hamstring during practice in August, has been classified as a limited participant on both injury reports so far this week.
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was questioned about Clark’s use versus Cleveland at his news conference on Thursday, and he hinted that Clark will be on a snap count of some kind.
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Spagnuolo told Harold R. Kuntz of Fox 4 News, “We’ll walk carefully with the amount of plays we’re confident we can get him for Sunday.”
“We’ll tread carefully with the amount of plays we’re confident we can get him for Sunday,” Spags says of Frank Clark’s use. Throughout the preseason, Clark had been battling with a hamstring issue. #Chiefs
September 9, 2021 — Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3)
Clark isn’t healthy enough to play full-time on Sunday, according to Spagnuolo’s remarks, so the coaching staff will have to watch how the two-time Pro Bowler handles the repetitions he gets during the regular-season opener. He’ll be forced to sit out if his hamstring starts to bother him. However, if Clark is feeling well, he may continue to play until his health improves.
Thursday’s Injury Report for the Chiefs
In terms of the rest of Thursday’s injury report, third-year wideout Mecole Hardman showed signs of improvement. Due to an oblique problem, Hardman was classified as a limited participant on Wednesday’s injury report. On Thursday’s report, he was classified as a full participant, indicating that he is on track to be completely healthy for Sunday’s game. Reserve center Austin Blythe, who did not practice on Wednesday and is still recuperating from sports hernia surgery, was a limited participant in Thursday’s session, indicating good improvement.
Derrick Nnadi, the defensive lineman who was restricted in Wednesday’s practice due to a hip issue, was again limited in Thursday’s session. Given that he has failed to participate fully in a single practice this week, his condition on Friday’s injury report is worth keeping an eye on.
Offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (hand), running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle), offensive lineman Mike Remmers (knee), and offensive guard Trey Smith were all mentioned on the injury report but proceeded to play complete games (shoulder).
Injury Report for the #Chiefs on Thursday
WR Mecole Hardman (oblique) is back in full practice after being restricted on Wednesday. For the second day in a row, Frank Clark (hamstring) and Derrick Nnadi (hip) are restricted in reps. pic.twitter.com/bMzocsWo3H
September 9, 2021 — Devon Clements (@DevclemNFL)
Thursday’s Injury Report for the Browns
Cleveland’s injury report for Thursday remained mostly unchanged from Wednesday’s, with the exception of one extra player on the list. According to the Chiefs’ official website, linebacker Tony Fields (sickness) did not participate in Thursday’s practice.
For the second day in a row, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (sickness) and offensive lineman Michael Dunn (back) did not practice. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee), safety Grant Delpit (hamstring), safety Ronnie Harrison Jr. (ankle), wide receiver Rashad Higgins (hamstring), cornerback Troy Hill (hamstring), linebacker Sione Takitaki (hamstring), center JC Tretter (knee), and cornerback Greedy Williams were all limited in practice for the second day in a row (groin).
The game statuses for each player mentioned on Friday’s injury report will give us a hint as to whether injured players will be on the field or sidelined for the regular-season start.
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