[Topeka Capital-Journal] The Chiefs likely will face the Carolina Panthers and three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers without Branden Albert, their starting rookie left tackle.
Albert has a dislocated elbow and is unlikely to be available Sunday. Coach Herm Edwards said he had no timetable as to when the 15th player taken in April’s draft might be able to play again after injuring his arm late in the first half in last Sunday’s win against Denver.
Second-year tackle Herb Taylor played the second half and did well, Edwards said, against accomplished Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil. Taylor started at left tackle in all four preseason games when Albert was down with an ankle injury.
“He’s a pretty good pass protector. It’s one of his strong suits,” Edwards said of Taylor, who played sparingly in regular offense last year as a rookie.
The Chiefs might also be missing veteran linebacker Donnie Edwards for a second week. His streak of 156 consecutive starts with San Diego and Kansas City was snapped last week when he couldn’t play with an ankle injury that is still bothering him. Demorrio Williams started for Edwards and played well, Edwards said.
Man I hope Albert isn’t out long! And I sure hope Taylor can handle Peppers.
Comment by Michael Raite — October 1, 2008 @ 8:54 am
Albert got very lucky and he will be back after the bye. Elbow injuries are almost as bad as knee injuries, they are just less frequent.
Comment by Jake — October 1, 2008 @ 11:44 am
This is more proof that this guy is injury prone, and that the chiefs are going to try and protect these rookies.
hopefully after our bye week we will be healthy enough to win a few in a row.
Comment by KC111110 — October 2, 2008 @ 1:11 am