Chiefs Injury Update: Roster Move Could Mean Optimism For Eric Berry vs. Patriots

Despite snowy conditions and a perceived schematic disadvantage, the Kansas City Chiefs dismantled the Indianapolis Colts over the weekend to secure a spot in the AFC title game. As the AFC’s top seed prepares to take on the New England Patriots, it appears luck is finally on the Chiefs’ side regarding player health.

The Chiefs announced on Monday they were activating starting offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif from Injured Reserve. Duvernay-Tardif was injured in the fifth game of the season against the Jacksonville Jaguars and has not played since. Kansas City’s offensive line has played at a high level this year, but getting Duvernay-Tardif back could help immensely.

ProFootballFocus had Duvernay-Tardif as the 31st-ranked guard in the NFL this season.

To free up a spot on the roster for Duvernay-Tardif, the Chiefs cut veteran safety Ron Parker. While there is no confirmation star safety Eric Berry will play against the Patriots, Parker’s departure could mean the Chiefs are optimistic about his chances. He missed the final game of the regular season and the Colts game due to lingering heel problems.

Berry only played limited snaps in two games near the end of the season. He missed 15 games in 2017 and 14 games in 2018. When healthy, he gives the Chiefs’ secondary a veteran presence and increased potential to create turnovers.

On Monday, head coach Andy Reid called Berry and starting running back Spencer Ware “day-to-day.” Ware has not played since Dec. 9, but backup Damien Williams has performed admirably as the temporary starter. He rushed 25 times for 129 yards and a touchdown against the Colts.