[Topeka Capital-Journal] The Chiefs worked both practice sessions Monday without their top two running backs. Priest Holmes is still recovering from a blow to the leg he took in heavy contact Saturday night, and backup Larry Johnson is down with a strained thigh.

Coach Dick Vermeil could not say Monday whether either of the two would play Friday night when the Chiefs open the preseason against Minnesota at the Metrodome, a short bus ride from their Wisconsin training camp.

Getting the bulk of the work in their absence is Dee Brown, a third-year running back from Syracuse who started three of his 14 games he played for Carolina in 2002, his first full NFL season. Brown played sparingly the last two seasons at Pittsburgh and Cleveland, where he returned kickoffs in five games.

“He’s been a very pleasant surprise,” Vermeil said. “He’s an elusive runner who’s smart and makes no mistakes. He has excellent hands and catches the ball very well. He’s been very competitive, and I’m pleased.”