| the Talking Can |
08-07-2008 07:52 AM |
Flowers to start, Alberts to miss all preseason barring a 'miracle'
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http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chi...ry/737257.html
Quote:
Flowers expected to start today
Rookie cornerback Brandon Flowers, the Chiefs’ second-round pick, is expected to start at right cornerback.
Coach Herm Edwards said he does not expect Flowers’ start tonight to be an aberration.
“Unless something happens, he’s going to start,” Edwards said. “Every time he plays, he’s going to get better.”
Edwards said Flowers’ top priority is to adjust to the repetition of playing against veteran wideouts. Flowers is expected to play opposite 11-year veteran Patrick Surtain. Edwards has said he expects Flowers to watch and learn from Surtain, a two-time Pro Bowler. Edwards expects plenty out of Flowers, whose education will continue tonight.
“He’s going to have to learn the tricks of the trade on the job,” Edwards said. “Not on the bench, on the job. Every time he plays in a game, he’s going to improve.”
Rookies address injuries
First-round picks Glenn Dorsey and Branden Albert are among six injured players who will not travel with the Chiefs. Dorsey and Albert suffered the injuries last week and have not practiced since.
Dorsey hurt his knee during Saturday’s Family Fun Night, and Albert said this week a teammate stepped on his foot last Thursday. The Chiefs are calling Albert’s injury a sprained foot.
“It’s a freak accident,” Albert said. “You can’t help it.”
Albert said he expected to miss the rest of the preseason, barring a “miracle.”
Dorsey’s injury initially was feared worse than the left knee sprain tests revealed Sunday. He hoped to return to practice Monday and said he expected to play in the Chiefs’ second preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, which will be Aug. 16 at Arrowhead Stadium.
“I’ll be ready,” Dorsey said.
Albert wore a walking boot and used crutches to walk this week. He said missing tonight’s game will be unfamiliar to him after he never missed a game in three seasons at Virginia.
This is the second time since the NFL draft that Albert suffered an injury. He hurt his ankle during offseason team activities and missed the final week of those workouts.
What you need to know about ...
THE OFFENSE
Edwards said all three quarterbacks will play tonight, with starter Brodie Croyle and second-year backup Tyler Thigpen getting most of the snaps. Edwards said Croyle will play a specific number of snaps, which Edwards did not reveal, but that those snaps could push Croyle into playing into the second quarter. … Running back Larry Johnson is expected to play as many as 20 snaps, touching the ball five or six times, Edwards said.
THE DEFENSE
Edwards said coaches will observe the defense tonight and how the players relearn how to tackle. He said some veterans haven’t made a tackle since the regular-season finale, and some newcomers haven’t tackled since their final college game. … Linebacker Donnie Edwards, who has battled tight hamstrings last week, will not play tonight.
INJURY REPORT
Edwards, running back Kolby Smith (groin), Albert (foot), Dorsey (knee), defensive end Trevor Johnson (concussion) and wide receiver Kevin Robinson (knee) will not make the trip to Chicago.
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
The Chiefs will play their first preseason game tonight at the Chicago Bears. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
| Kent Babb, kbabb@kcstar.com
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Flowers to start, Alberts to miss all preseason barring a 'miracle'
(https://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?t=188645)