The Kansas City Chiefs' defense is getting some much-needed injury relief.

The Kansas City Star is reporting standout left cornerback Brandon Flowers lined up with the starters Wednesday as the team begins preparations for the season opener against visiting Atlanta on Sunday.

That is a great sign. If the team didn’t think Flowers could play, he likely wouldn’t be practicing with the first team. Flowers has made strides in recent days from a foot injury he suffered July 31. He missed all of the preseason.

Flowers may be rusty Sunday, but the Chiefs will gladly take him against the pass-happy Falcons. The team is expected to be without safety Kendrick Lewis (shoulder) and top pass-rusher Tamba Hali because he is serving a one-game NFL suspension.

The paper also reports linebacker Derrick Johnson appears to be on pace to play Sunday. He has been dealing with an ankle injury.