CHIEFS CAMP BUZZ
HERMISM “We had a good talk in the offseason. He wanted to have the ability to start, and I told him, ‘Just go start, be the guy. Don’t make it a contest.’ ” | Edwards on right tackle Kevin Sampson, who’s running with the first team.
Waters update
Brian Waters apparently has been in River Falls since injuring his foot at the start of camp, but the Chiefs’ Pro Bowl left guard has been invisible to the public.
That changed Monday, when Waters was spotted going to the cafeteria at lunch. Waters said he’s doing fine, and coach Herm Edwards said Monday that Waters won’t play Saturday at Houston.
“I don’t anticipate him playing this week or next,” Edwards said. “We’ll see.”
Still waiting
Left tackle Willie Roaf, who recently announced plans to retire, is out of the country. But Edwards said he “kind of knows where he’s at,” and still hasn’t given up hope the 11-time Pro Bowler will be back.
“I don’t gamble,” Edwards said. “I don’t do that. I always say, ‘Be patient.’ I was patient with Ty Law, and it all sort of worked out.”
Brown impresses
Just when you thought Dee Brown was down and out with the signing of running back Michael Bennett …
Brown caught Edwards’ eye in the Friday night practice in Mankato, Minn., against the Vikings — enough that Edwards mentioned Brown’s name Monday without prompting.
“I think Dee Brown is having a good camp,” Edwards said. “I really do. I saw a little something I needed to see against Minnesota. I saw some toughness. He’s a smart guy, a dependable guy, a guy you can trust. I like him.”
Brown was the Chiefs’ No. 2 back behind Larry Johnson before the Bennett acquisition.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT …
OFFENSE
Rookie quarterback Brodie Croyle was back at practice Monday and saw limited action in the morning workout in pads. Croyle, who injured his throwing shoulder last week, is being managed as day-to-day.
Croyle said he hopes to be ready for Saturday’s game. He also said this injury pales in comparison to his knee problems at Alabama.
“It’s not even close,” Croyle said. “This is a simple ding. If I had to do something, I could, but there’s no point in rushing it now.”
DEFENSE
Rookie defensive end Tamba Hali produced gasps in the afternoon practice after he took a knee in the ribs from tight end Tony Gonzalez. Hali was on the ground for roughly five minutes as trainers tended to him. Edwards said Hali will be fine.
Defensive backs Marcus Maxey and Alphonso Hodge returned to practice Monday, giving the secondary some fresh legs. Newcomers Ron Edwards and James Reed were the starters on the interior defensive line again Monday.
INJURIES
Halfbacks Priest Holmes (neck) and Michael Bennett (hamstring), wide receivers Craphonso Thorpe (shoulder) and Scott McCready (shoulder), guard Brian Waters (foot), defensive linemen Jimmy Wilkerson (groin), Carlos Hall (knee), Junior Siavii (knee), John Browning (back) and Steve Williams (knee) and defensive backs Lenny Walls (hamstring) and William Bartee (Achilles).
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
The Chiefs will practice today at 9 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. The morning practice will be in pads and the afternoon practice in shells.