Some good strategy has been used by some coaches who have to deal with the difficulties of playing a Week 11 game on Sunday and coming back for a Thanksgiving game four days later.
Herm Edwards of the Chiefs appears to have played it right. He sat out tight end Tony Gonzalez (shoulder) and linebacker Derrick Johnson (ankle) against Oakland on Sunday. Now both have a chance to play against the Denver Broncos on Thursday night, a game that is more important to Kansas City's playoff hopes. Johnson did some work with the first-team defense Tuesday, the Chiefs' only day of practice. Johnson is listed as questionable but should play. Gonzalez, meanwhile, is a little more iffy. He only got in limited work because of his sore shoulder. He's pushing Edwards to play him, and most likely the coach will let him as long as Gonzalez does not have a setback.
The Chiefs were able to eke out a 17-13 victory over the Raiders without Gonzalez and Johnson. By saving Tatum Bell and not playing him against the Chargers on Sunday because of his toe injuries, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan should have him available to start against the Chiefs. Had Bell played against the Chargers, his feet have been so sore he probably would have had a bad game. Now, he has a chance to do well against the Chiefs.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
John Clayton
