KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs in effect announced that nose tackle Dontari Poe would play in Sunday's season opener at the Houston Texans by listing him as probable on their final injury report of the week.
If he plays, Poe would complete a rapid comeback after having surgery in July to remove a herniated disk from his back.
How much Poe, a two-time Pro Bowler, would play is another matter. Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton indicated the Chiefs would limit how much work they give to Poe.
Otherwise, the Chiefs will arrive in Houston in good shape. Nine of the 11 players they have listed on their injury report were probable. That list includes four of their top five wide receivers in Albert Wilson, De'Anthony Thomas, Jason Avant and rookie Chris Conley plus tight ends Travis Kelce and Demetrius Harris.
Right tackle Eric Fisher and backup offensive lineman Jeff Allen were listed as questionable to play in the game but each was a full participant in all of the week's practice sessions.
We'll have to wait to see what shape the Chiefs are in when they return from Houston. Their next week will be an extremely short one because they face the Denver Broncos on Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium.