| Coach Romeo Crenel said cornerback Brandon Flowers, who is dealing with an injured left heel, must practice well this week if he’s to play against Buffalo on Sunday. (US Presswire) |
Kansas City Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel would not say whether CB Brandon Flowers would play in the season opener against Atlanta. Crennel said he would decide on Sunday.
After Crennel's comments on the situation after the game, it's clear his decision was made before kickoff.
"Well, he's been doing more at practice, so we will find out next week, and we'll see what he can do in practice," Crennel said. "If he can practice, then he'll play. If he can't practice, then he won't play."
Flowers returned to practice in a limited role for the first time last Monday, but he was not a full participant throughout the week. Flowers had sat out practice since July 31 when he bruised his left heel, an injury that has taken more time to heal than originally expected.
Without Flowers, the Chiefs started CB Jacques Reeves, who had not played a regular-season game since 2009. Reeves struggled against Atlanta WR Julio Jones, who had six catches for 106 yards and two TDs. CB Jalil Brown, who typically backs up Flowers, suited up but did not play much because of a groin injury.
The Chiefs also were without starting NT Anthony Toribio (ankle), S Kendrick Lewis(shoulder) and LB Tamba Hali (suspended). Hali will return this week and play againstBuffalo.
Crennel did not provide any updates on Toribio or Lewis.
Where's Baldwin?: Second-year WR Jon Baldwin did not start, did not receive a target and hardly played against Atlanta.
Baldwin was the talk of training camp and expected to play a meaningful role in the offense, making his disappearance on Sunday so odd.
"He's trying to develop a role in the offense," Crennel said. "He's working at it, and I think eventually he will have his spot and he will be making plays, but it just didn't come up today."
The Chiefs started Steve Breaston and Dexter McCluster at receiver. McCluster led the team with 10 targets, and Dwayne Bowe tied with TE Tony Moeaki for second with six targets apiece.
Succop misses crucial kick: K Ryan Succop's missed kick in the third quarter turned out to be the biggest momentum swing of the game against Atlanta.
"It felt like I put a really good stroke on it," Succop said. "I didn't start it far enough left of center where I needed to and it drifted on me. I've got to learn from it and come back and make sure I make the next one."
Succop's 40-yard try, which hit the upright, would have tied the game at 20. The Falcons responded with 20 unanswered points. Succop's kicking issues date to the end of last season. In his past three regular season games, he has made only three of seven field goals and he was two for four in the preseason.
"Every kick is important," Succop said. "You've got to make all of them. Unfortunately, I didn't do that today and it's frustrating."
Follow Chiefs reporter C.J. Moore on Twitter @CBSChiefs and @cjmoore4.