Chiefs Buzz | Haley says Leggett's career not in jeopardy

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Chiefs Buzz | Haley says Leggett's career not in jeopardy; defense in learning mode; new depth chart released

Haley: Leggett’s career not in jeopardy

Chiefs coach Todd Haley said Monday that cornerback Maurice Leggett, who was carted from the field after suffering a neck injury during Saturday night’s preseason loss at Tampa Bay, should play again “sooner rather than later.”

“Everything is positive that I’ve heard,” Haley said. “All things point to the fact that this should not affect him career-wise.”

The coach said there was no damage to Leggett’s spinal cord. Haley said after the exhibition Saturday that Leggett, a third-year defensive back from Valdosta State, had feeling in his extremities but would spend that night in a Tampa-area hospital.

Haley wouldn’t say Monday whether Leggett had been released from the hospital.

Leggett was hurt while trying to tackle Buccaneers running back Kareem Huggins. The game was stopped for about 10 minutes while trainers tended to Leggett, loading him onto a backboard and then onto a cart.

“He was in a pretty good collision,” Haley said. “I think they took the trainers and doctors did everything they were supposed to do as far as taking all the precautions. It’s a scary situation, but that part of it is out of the mix, and I’ve been assured that sooner rather than later, he’ll be out there practicing.”

Defense in learning mode

Haley expressed worry Monday that Kansas City’s defense has yet to force a sack or turnover in two preseason games, both losses on the road.

He said that part of the reason for that might be because the Chiefs have been focusing mainly on fundamental defensive play and haven’t been as aggressive as they might be during the regular season.

“We’re doing a real good job as a coaching staff sticking to our guns,” Haley said. “We’ve got to learn how to play fundamental defense, which means all 11 guys understanding what they have to do and how we want them to do it, with the technique that we’re coaching.

“We’re not relying on any kind of pressure, those things to fool anybody. Our guys are learning how to play the defense. That’s what we’re going to do this week and the week after and every day in between.”

Haley added that the Chiefs’ pass rush appeared to get pressure on Tampa Bay’s quarterbacks, which he said was an encouraging sign against a “quick-passing team.”

New depth chart released

Jamaal Charles remained the second-team running back when an updated depth chart was released Monday. Veteran Thomas Jones, who has rushed for 31 yards to Charles’ 63 in two preseason games, was listed as the starter.

Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher were listed as the first-team inside linebackers, and Rudy Niswanger was back as the starting center.

Rookie receiver Jeremy Horne was listed with the fourth team, even after catching a touchdown pass against the Buccaneers.