philfree |
10-05-2011 08:49 PM |
Arrowhead Report: Baldwin Takes Another Step
By Josh Looney
Jonathan Baldwin getting closer to playing
The status of first-round draft pick Jonathan Baldwin is sure to get plenty of play leading up to Sunday’s game in Indianapolis. For the first time since suffering a preseason thumb injury on
August 17th, Baldwin completed a full practice with the Chiefs offense.
On Wednesday afternoon, Baldwin caught footballs, ran routes and worked just as any other healthy wide receiver would. He had previously practiced in a limited capacity, running through individuals with the wide receivers, but heading to an alternate practice field when team repetitions began.
“He’s being evaluated every day just like everybody else,” Coach Todd Haley said. “His evaluation has just been a little different.
“It’s been interesting because he’s over on the other field most of the time just having the play read to him of what the rest of the guys are doing on Field One. He’s on Field Two, breaking his own two-man huddle because there’s a coach in there giving him the play, and then running the play, run and pass. It’s kind of like his OTAs, I’d say, that he’s just had a month of.”
Haley seemed encouraged about Baldwin’s status as on-field preparation for Indianapolis officially began. But both Haley and Baldwin also stopped short of declaring the wide receiver ready to play.
“That’s up to the coaches,” Baldwin said after practice.
This week presents an interesting scenario for the Chiefs and Baldwin.
Even if Baldwin practices fully throughout the week, which seems likely, the Chiefs may choose to hold him out for one more game. Doing so would give Baldwin three full weeks of practices before returning after the bye week October 23rd at Oakland.
Whenever Baldwin does return, how quickly he’s acclimated into the offensive game plan is also worth watching. The rookie has little experience working with QB Matt Cassel, having played with backup quarterbacks Tyler Palko and Ricky Stanzi in his only game of preseason work.
“We’ll just have to see where he is physically, but I know that he’s in good condition and he’s been really working hard,” Haley said. “I’m just excited that he’s able to – for his own personal self – to be able to get out there and start practicing again full on with his teammates.”
The Chiefs currently roster seven wide receivers, so there is no hurry to rush Baldwin back before both parties are comfortable. Haley also said he expects Baldwin to be able to contribute on special teams when he’s ready to make an NFL debut.
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