The Chiefs are still waiting on Mansoor Delane, and the rookie cornerback’s shoulder remains the kind of problem that doesn’t look alarming but also won’t quite disappear.
After Kansas City’s loss to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Andy Reid said the team is treating Delane’s recovery as a day-to-day situation. A return in Week 9 is still on the table, but only if the shoulder is strong enough to handle game action.
“It’s just a matter of it being strong enough to get out there,” Reid said. “There’s a chance that he’ll be able to get himself out there this week.
Again, it’s just how strong it is. It’s going to be a day-to-day thing.”
Delane was ruled out for Week 8 after opening the week as questionable. The Chiefs added him to the injury report on Thursday after he hurt the shoulder during Wednesday’s practice, then he missed the next two practice sessions before the team made the final call ahead of Sunday’s game.
This isn’t a brand-new issue, either. The shoulder has bothered Delane since the offseason, going back to organized team activities.
Even with the setbacks, Delane has given Kansas City plenty to like in his first NFL season. In five games, the former LSU corner has 27 tackles, one interception and five passes defended.
His absence is coming at a rough moment for the Chiefs, who also have veteran cornerback L’Jarius Sneed on injured reserve.
Kansas City will keep tracking Delane as it gets ready for the New York Jets, and Wednesday’s first practice of the week should provide the clearest sign yet of whether he’s close to coming back.
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