The Chiefs opened up a roster spot on Tuesday by moving CB Jacques Reeves to injured reserve. The move is likely to set up the addition of an offensive lineman to the 53-man roster.
That became a need on Sunday when starting C Rodney Hudson injured his knee and left the field in New Orleans on a cart. LG Ryan Lilja slid over to center and was replaced by rookie Jeff Allen, leaving rookie OT Donald Stephenson as the only offensive lineman on the bench.
If Hudson cannot play Sunday against the Chargers, the Chiefs could move up either OT David Mims or G Rich Ranglin from the practice squad or sign a free agent, possibly a center to replace Hudson. If they go the practice squad route, Ranglin is the more likely to get promoted because of the lack of depth on the interior of the line.
"I thought Lilja did an excellent job, to tell you the truth," coach Romeo Crennel said Monday, via the Kansas City Star. "He came into the game … and there were no quarterback-center exchange problems when he was in there. I thought Allen did a nice job of coming in and playing really for the first time in a tough situation.
"If you have a guy who hasn't played that position a lot … sometimes you just don’t know what's going to happen. A lot of teams will try to take advantage of the fact you have a new center. But we were able to operate and operate efficiently."
Reeves entered the season as third on the depth chart at cornerback but was forced into a starting role against the Falcons in the opener. He struggled against Atlanta WR Julio Jones and returned to a reserve role in Week 2 against Buffalo when starting CB Brandon Flowers returned. Reeves was inactice against New Orleans because of a hamstring injury.
Along with Hudson, the Chiefs have five regulars whose status is unknown for Sunday's game. S Kendrick Lewis (shoulder) and NT Anthony Toribio (ankle) have yet to play this season and are getting closer to a return. Kevin Boss missed the New Orleans game because of a head injury suffered against Buffalo. Hudson, Peyton Hillis (ankle) and Dexter McCluster (elbow) were all injured against New Orleans.
Follow Chiefs reporter C.J. Moore on Twitter @CBSChiefs and @cjmoore4.