The Kansas City Chiefs are in the thick of the AFC West race coming off a big road win over the Atlanta Falcons. They could be getting reinforcements offensively.
No. 1 receiver Jeremy Maclin is progressing toward a return. Coach Andy Reid said Maclin is "making improvement" but doesn't yet know his receiver's status for Thursday Night Football (NFL Network) against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. A win would thrust Kansas City into first place in the division.
Maclin, who was limited Monday, has missed the last four games due to a groin injury. In his absence, the Chiefs are 3-1. Tight end Travis Kelce has three consecutive 100-yard games and the Chiefs have gotten production from Tyreek Hill and Albert Wilson at the wide receiver position while Maclin mends. Maclin's return would be huge for their offense.
Linebacker Tamba Hali (knee) and defensive tackle Dontari Poe (back) were also limited in practice.
Here are some other injuries we were tracking Monday:
- Falcons wideout Julio Jones has a turf toe injury, coach Dan Quinn said. Quinn added the team doesn't view it as a long-term injury. Fellow wideout Mohammed Sanu has a groin injury and offensive tackle Jake Matthews has a knee sprain. Neither will practice Wednesday and the team will see where they are at on Thursday.
- Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian is out of his boot and coach Gary Kubiak is hopeful he can play Sunday. Siemian missed Sunday's win over the Jaguars. Paxton Lynch started in what was a defensive battle. In addition, the Broncos placed running back Kapri Bibbs (foot/ankle) was placed on injured reserve.
- Giants pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul (groin) is being evaluated and the team will know more about his injury Tuesday, coach Ben McAdoo said.
- Saints tight end Josh Hill broke his fibula, Rapoport reported, effectively ending the player's season. More tests are coming Monday to determine other damage and if he needs surgery.
- Star Seahawks safety Earl Thomas suffered a broken tibia in his left leg and is out for the remainder of the season, coach Pete Carroll said. Thomas was returning from his first missed game with the Seahawks when he suffered the injury Sunday night against the Panthers.
Thomas won't need surgery on his cracked tibia at this point, a source informed of the situation told Rapoport.
- Titans rookie linebacker Kevin Dodd (foot) was placed on injured reserve.
- The Bills have announced that the team has placed wide receiver Percy Harvin on the reserve/non-football illness list. Harvin will not be eligible to return during the 2016 season. Rapoport reported that Harvin has been dealing with headaches since his return to the team.
- Buccaneers wide receiver Cecil Shorts suffered a knee injury on Sunday and is out for the season, according to ESPN. Wideout Adam Humphries is in the concussion protocol.
- Buccaneers coach Dirk Koetter told reporters Monday that running back Charles Sims will be activated from the injured reserve list this week.
- The Bears have officially placed Jay Cutler (shoulder) on injured reserve.
- Colts linebacker D'Qwell Jackson and offensive lineman Denzelle Good are in concussion protocol after Monday's win over the Jets.
