Three key reasons the Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs in 2011 were the trio of torn anterior cruciate ligaments suffered by tight end Tony Moeaki, safety Eric Berry and running back Jamaal Charles in a three-week span covering the final preseason game and first two weeks of the regular season.
Instant Debate: Bold predictions
It's prediction season in the NFL. Our analysts consult their crystal balls and provide some interesting premonitions. **More ...**
Less than a year later, all three are on the comeback trail. So much so that all three will practice against the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday and play in the Chiefs' preseason opener on Friday night, head coach Romeo Crennel said on Monday.
"We will continue to manage those guys as well, but I think it's important for them to get reps in the game to begin to find out where they are and how they feel and how those injuries are recovering for them," Crennel said via Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. "So we'll give them some time and we'll see how it goes."
Getting Berry, Charles and Moeaki back, along with the healthy return of quarterback Matt Cassel, the Chiefs are primed for a bounce-back season. If the Chiefs can get franchised wide receiver Dwayne Bowe back into the fold and up to speed in Brian Daboll's offense, this team should push for a return to the postseason.
