The Chiefs came out of their win over Denver with more than just a 31-10 scoreline to feel good about. Cornerback Mansoor Delane’s shoulder injury, suffered on the game’s first series, turned out to be minor after the tests came back clean.
Delane gave Kansas City an immediate jolt when he picked off an underthrow from Bo Nix and helped set the tone for the afternoon. The play ended with him landing on his shoulder, though, and that was it for his night.
According to a report from Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk citing Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Delane’s medicals included X-Rays and CT scans that showed no damage. He also had an MRI on Monday, which revealed the low level of the injury. The issue is believed to be the same shoulder injury Delane suffered near the end of OTAs, the one that kept him out of minicamp and most of training camp.
Andy Reid added another encouraging sign on Wednesday, saying Delane would practice with the Chiefs for the first time this week. That usually points to a player being on track to suit up, and Josh Alper of PFT separately confirmed that report.
Reid also said left tackle Josh Simmons and Chamarri Connor would not practice. Simmons is dealing with a back issue, while Connor has a knee problem. That likely leaves Kahlil Benson in line for a second straight start at left tackle after he held up well against Denver as Kansas City leaned on the run game to control the Broncos.
There is still some reason for caution with Delane, though. Shoulder injuries can be the kind that keep coming back, especially for a cornerback with a relatively slight build. Because Delane plays such a physical style, the Chiefs may need to manage him carefully and possibly trim his snap count.
Even with Delane exiting early, Kansas City didn’t seem to miss much. Nohl Williams delivered a physical performance on the other side, throwing in several hits and pass breakups, and the Chiefs kept Nix to just 131 passing yards while Delane’s interception helped shape the game.
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