Kansas City Chiefs News: When Will Eric Berry Return To The Team?

GettyImages-504198586 — Eric Berry #29 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates his first quarter interception against the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Scott Halleran/Getty Images

The Kansas City Chiefs (9-2) could get a major boost to their struggling defense soon. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who has not played since the opening week of the 2017 NFL season, should begin practicing this week.

The #Chiefs have been here before so there is caution. But still: I’m told the team is hopeful that star S Eric Berry will return to practice this week as he begins to ramp up and get ready to play. They expect him to practice. And his addition could be massive for this defense.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 25, 2018

The 29-year-old has not practiced at all this season, while recovering from a Haglund’s deformity in his heel. An Achilles tear ended his season in 2017.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports first reported last week that the Chiefs planned to finally work Berry into the lineup after the team’s recent bye week.

Kansas City has the third worst passing defense in the NFL in terms of yards allowed. Berry, a five-time Pro Bowler, could provide a boost to a defense seeking the top seed in the AFC.

The Chiefs are 30th in average total yards allowed (414.7).

After a bye week, Andy Reid's squad travels to Oakland to play the ailing Oakland Raiders (2-9) on Sunday.

The Chiefs' schedule gets considerably more difficult starting in Week 14. Kansas City ends the season with back-to-back home games against the Baltimore Ravens (6-5) and Los Angeles Chargers (8-3), followed by a road game against the Seattle Seahawks (6-5) and the season finale at home against the Raiders.

National Football League