Chiefs C Rudy Niswanger started in Week 9 despite his knee injury. Niswanger's knee is clearly not as bad as originally thought -- the team had feared it could end his season. It's small steps for the Chiefs offensive line, which has struggled as much as any unit in the league.Source: Kansas City Star

Kansas City Chiefs C Rudy Niswanger (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 4.

The Kansas City Star is reporting that Chiefs' center Rudy Niswanger will play again in 2009 despite suffering a serious knee injury last week against the Chargers. Niswanger could return as soon as two weeks against Jacksonville.

Our View: Niswanger was thought to be lost for the season after being checked out by doctors, but he is a tough guy who should be able to return this year. Two weeks seems a bit optimistic, but he should be back in the next month or so barring a setback.

News: One game into the post-Larry Johnson era is all it took for the Kansas City Chiefs to get their first rushing touchdown, first 100-yard rushing day and second win of the year. This week's opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers, may mount more of a challenge than the mistake-prone Oakland Raiders did in Sunday's 16-10 victory. But the Steelers would be wise to prepare for Jamaal Charles as KC's featured back. It would seem a richly deserved reward for his long TD run and 103 yards rushing in the first game since former Pro Bowler Johnson was released amid a cloud of controversy. With more speed than Johnson showed in even his best years, Charles broke loose on one key play and sped 44 yards into the end zone, erasing the stigma the Chiefs had been carrying as the only NFL team without a rushing touchdown. He also picked up 26 yards on a fourth-quarter drive as the Chiefs tried desperately to run time off the clock. It seemed especially gratifying for somebody who'd spent part of the season in the coach's doghouse for fumbling. The second-year pro had gotten so crosswise with coaches, he'd even been inactive for one game. A fumble in those last minutes on Sunday could have proven fatal. "It wasn't something I was thinking about," coach Todd Haley said Monday. "He'd had a bunch of carries under his belt and he was protecting the football. None of those footballs that ended up on the ground were Jamaal's fault."

Analysis: Charles had not carried for more than 40 yards in a game heading into Week 10 but the release of Larry Johnson has clearly opened the way for him to become a producer. He seems to be the Chiefs’ go-to back now, but he cannot be thought of as more than a No. 3 or flex option for Week 11 against a tough Pittsburgh defense. If he has a solid performance in that game, he has the potential to be a high-end back. Think about picking him up off the waiver wire if available in your league

Charles scored on a 44-yard run for Kansas City's first rushing touchdown of the season and had 18 carries for 103 yards Sunday in a 16-10 win at Oakland.

Impacts: It was a surprising effort after Charles entered with 152 yards rushing on the season. Fantasy owners should stay away from him because he is done facing the Raiders.

The nod this week goes to Kansas City running back Jamaal Charles.CharlesNice timing, kid.In the Chiefs' first game after Larry Johnson was cu...

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs OT Ryan O'Callaghan (shoulder), OG Brian Waters (ankle) and FS Jarrad Page (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 23. They are listed as questionable for Week 7 and are expected to play.

Brian Waters practiced for the second straight day Thursday, according to the Kansas City Star. He is dealing with an ankle ailment.

Our View: Waters has a good chance to play in Week 7 against San Diego, but could be hindered by his ankle. He is a solid starting guard when healthy.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs FS Jarrad Page (shoulder) and OG Brian Waters (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Oct. 22. They are likely to play in Week 7.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs C Wade Smith (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Nov. 12. His status for Week 10 is uncertain.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs OG Wade Smith (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Dec. 5. He is listed as probable for the team\'s Week 14 game and is expected to play.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs OG Wade Smith (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Dec. 4. He likely will play in the team\'s Week 14 game.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs WRs Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade will share snaps at receiver while WR Dwayne Bowe is suspended. Bradley has downfield speed but has dropped some passes while Wade has good hands but is not much of a big-play threat.

Coach Todd Haley said that Wade will be active for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, the Kansas City Star reports.

Spin: The recent additions of Chris Chambers and Lance Long bumped Wade off the active game-day roster, but he'll get another opportunity over the next four weeks while Dwayne Bowe is out with a suspension. Wade could work his way back up the depth chart with a strong performance or two, but for now he's probably only the fourth-best option in a bad passing offense.Thu, Nov 19

Chiefs coach Todd Haley confirmed that Bobby Wade will be active this week thanks to Dwayne Bowe's suspension. Wade has been inactive the last two weeks as he lost his slot job to Lance Long and Chris Chambers was signed. Haley said that it was just a numbers game, but don't look for much production out of Wade. The clear beneficiaries of Bowe's absence will be Long and Chambers.Source: Kansas City Star

Cassel's top wideout Dwayne Bowe was suspended four games on Tuesday for violating the NFL performance enhancing drug policy, the KC Star reports.

Spin: Chris Chambers, Mark Bradley and Lance Long will likely see the extra targets in Bowe's absence, but Cassel gets a slight downgrade without his most productive wideout available over the next four weeks.Tue, Nov 17

Cassel threw for 216 yards after completing 19 for 34 passes in Sunday's 16-10 win over the Raiders.

Impacts: Cassel has just 10 TD passes and a QB rating of 75.3 and Chiefs fans are expecting more of the former Patriots QB.

Cassel was 19-of-34 passing for 216 yards and an interception in Sunday's win over Oakland.

Spin: Cassel was a reliable source of touchdown passes earlier this season, but he's thrown for just three scores (and four interceptions) in his last four games. The yardage hasn't really been there either, with an average of just 190 yards per game during that span. Things won't get much easier against Pittsburgh next week.Sun, Nov 15

News: The Chiefs listed the following players as inactive for Week 9 at Jacksonville: QB Matt Gutierrez, DB Donald Washington, DB Jon McGraw, WR Bobby Wade, TE Jake O'Connell, TE Brad Cottam, LB Pierre Walters.

Analysis: None of the players listed are expected to have much Fantasy appeal this season. Leave them on the waiver wire until further notice

News: Chiefs QB Matt Cassel threw for just 97 yards in Week 7 against San Diego. It was the second time this season he has been held under 100 yards. Cassel threw one touchdown pass and was intercepted three times in the game. Cassel was replaced late in the game by backup QB Matt Gutierrez, who completed one pass for three yards.

Analysis: Cassel came into the game having thrown just two interceptions in Week 2. He was under constant pressure from the Chargers and made some bad decisions. Cassel has not thrown for 200-plus yards in back-to-back games this season, but he has had some useful games this year and can be thought of as a viable bye-week replacement QB when facing the right matchup. That won't be in Week 8, however, as the Chiefs will be on a bye. They'll return to action in Week 9 at Jacksonville -- a decent matchup for the Chiefs. Gutierrez will not be in line for any playing time unless something were to happen to Cassel. Ignore him

News: The Chiefs listed the following players as inactive for Week 7 against San Diego: QB Matt Gutierrez, LB Pierre Walters, TE Brad Cottam, TE Jake O'Connell, WR Bobby Engram, DB Jarrad Page and DB Donald Washington.

Analysis: None of the players listed are expected to have any Fantasy appeal this season. Leave them on waivers in all leagues until further notice

News: Chiefs RB Kolby Smith had a poor showing on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Raiders. He had nine carries in the game, gaining a total of 12 yards.

Analysis: Smith has a total of 13 carries and 29 yards in two games for the Chiefs this season. He has a chance to get some touches since Larry Johnson was released but has not been advantageous so far. He is not a recommended option for Week 11 against a tough Pittsburgh run defense

Smith had nine carries for 12 yards in Sunday's 16-10 win at Oakland.

Spin: Smith got a lot of hype during the week from Kansas City's coaching staff, but was not much of a factor on Sunday. Meanwhile, Jamaal Charles ran for 103 yards, including a 44-yard touchdown, and caught four passes. Smith has ideal size, but he's a slow runner with average hands while Charles is an undersized, lightning-quick back with great receiving skills. The bottomline is that Smith might get some goal line looks because he's bigger than Charles, but don't expect any big plays or much yardage in general.Sun, Nov 15

Kolby Smith rushed for just 12 yards on nine carries in the Chiefs' Week 10 victory. Jamaal Charles is definitely the team's No. 1 tailback with Larry Johnson out of the picture, as Smith saw limited action in the win. Either way, he's not a good play next week against the Steelers.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs OG Andy Alleman (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as doubtful for Week 11 and is not expected to play.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs OG Andy Alleman (knee), LB Dave Herron (knee) and RB Dantrell Savage (ankle) did not participate in practice Thursday, Nov. 19. They likely will not play in Week 11.

Kansas City Chiefs OG Andy Alleman (knee), LB Dave Herron (knee), RB Dantrell Savage (ankle) and LB Mike Vrabel (knee) missed the team’s practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Goff was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury this week.

Impacts: Goff started two games at right guard this season, but hasn't played since Oct. 18.

Kent Babb of the Kansas City Star tweeted that the Chiefs will re-sign linebacker Justin Rogers with guard Mike Goff going on IR.

Our View: Rogers should only contribute on special teams coverage, and will hold no fantasy value as a deep reserve at linebacker.

Mike Goff has been placed on injured reserve, according to SLAM Sports.

Our View: His season was ended by a shoulder injury. Goff was the starting right guard, and will be missed on the Chiefs' already unstable offensive line.

Pope had three catches for 11 yards in Sunday's win over Oakland.

Spin: Pope started at tight end with Sean Ryan inactive, but he wasn't a significant contributor on offense. Continue to ignore all Chiefs tight ends in all but the deepest of leagues.Sun, Nov 15

News: Chiefs TE Leonard Pope caught three passes on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Raiders, gaining a total of 11 yards.

Analysis: Pope will get a reception here and there, but is not a consistent enough contributor to be relied upon outside of the very deepest of Fantasy formats

Pope had one reception for five yards in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville.

Spin: Pope has a grand total of 18 yards this season playing for an offense that largely ignores the tight end position as a potential receiving option.Sun, Nov 8

News: Brad Cottam, Brody Croyle, Terrance Cooper and Mike Cox all failed to record a stat on Sunday in a Week 10 win over the Raiders.q

Analysis: None of these players are relevant in Fantasy and can continue to be ignored in all formats

Week 6 inactives: QB Matt Gutierrez (3rd), LT Brandon Albert, WR Quinten Lawrence, CB Donald Washington, FS Jarrad Page, TE Jake O'Connell, TE Brad Cottam and LB Pierre Walters.

Our View: OL Wade Smith draws the start in place of Albert, who is inactive with an ankle injury. This swap represents a major downgrade in the protection on QB Matt Cassel's blindside. On defense, FS Jarrad Page (shoulder) is active and will start.

The Kansas City Chiefs have declared TE Brad Cottam, OG Branden Albert, CB Donald Washington, TE Jake O'Connell, FS Jarrad Page, QB Matt Gutierrez, LB Pierre Walters, WR Quinten Lawrence inactive for Week 6.

Dwayne Bowe's four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances could make Chambers the team's No. 1 receiver for the next month.

Spin: Chambers signed with the Chiefs just two weeks ago, but in that time has caught six passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns, and now finds himself atop the depth chart. He'll be the beneficiary of increased targets from Matt Cassel, but will no longer have the luxury of playing opposite Bowe, who commanded increased attention from the defense. Chambers is still probably only a decent starting option in leagues that start three receivers.Wed, Nov 18

News: The Chiefs announced that WR Dwayne Bowe has been suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances. He will begin serving the suspension immediately and won't be eligible to play until Week 15 vs. Cleveland. This means that for the next four games Kansas City will roll out Chris Chambers and Lance Long as its starting receivers with Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade as additional weapons in the offense.

Analysis: Of these players, Chambers is the best bet to step up and see more looks from QB Matt Cassel in the near term, though Bradley does have some deep-balls skills and Long and Wade good short-area weapons. None of these receivers register higher than low-end No. 3 options vs. Pittsburgh in Week 11, however

Chris Chambers ascends to the Chiefs' No. 1 receiver following Dwayne Bowe's suspension. Teams usually know about PED suspensions ahead of time, so it's possible that Bowe's status was the impetus for grabbing Chambers off the waiver wire. While he's worth grabbing off waivers as the closest thing the Chiefs have to a Bowe replacement, Chambers is still a weak option as a WR3.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs WRs Mark Bradley and Bobby Wade will share snaps at receiver while WR Dwayne Bowe is suspended. Bradley has downfield speed but has dropped some passes while Wade has good hands but is not much of a big-play threat.

Coach Todd Haley said that Wade will be active for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, the Kansas City Star reports.

Spin: The recent additions of Chris Chambers and Lance Long bumped Wade off the active game-day roster, but he'll get another opportunity over the next four weeks while Dwayne Bowe is out with a suspension. Wade could work his way back up the depth chart with a strong performance or two, but for now he's probably only the fourth-best option in a bad passing offense.Thu, Nov 19

Chiefs coach Todd Haley confirmed that Bobby Wade will be active this week thanks to Dwayne Bowe's suspension. Wade has been inactive the last two weeks as he lost his slot job to Lance Long and Chris Chambers was signed. Haley said that it was just a numbers game, but don't look for much production out of Wade. The clear beneficiaries of Bowe's absence will be Long and Chambers.Source: Kansas City Star

McGraw (thigh) is listed as active for Sunday's game against Oakland.

Spin: After sitting out last week, McGraw figures to resume his starting free safety duties Sunday against the Raisers.Sun, Nov 15

McGraw (thigh) is probable for Sunday's game against Oakland, NFL.com reports.

Spin: After sitting out a week, McGraw is expected to slide back into the starting free safety role.Fri, Nov 13

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs C Wade Smith (ankle), LB Jovan Belcher (head) and SS Jon McGraw (thigh) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 13. They are listed as probable for Week 10 and are expected to play.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson   Page The Chiefs will miss safety Jarrad Page, who was put on injured reserve...

Hurt During Practice Last Week

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Jarrad Page, a three-year starter at free safety, has been placed on injured reserve by the Kansas City Chiefs. (AP)

FF Today's Take: The loss of Page won't help a defensive unit that is among the five most friendly to fantasy quarterbacks this season.

Page, a three-year starter at free safety, has been placed on injured reserve by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Impacts: Page was not at practice on Monday and coach Todd Haley said he had been injured during practice last Thursday. Haley said he might have more to say about the situation on Wednesday. The Chiefs announced the roster move on their Web site Wednesday.

Kent Babb, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs CB Maurice Leggett could see time at safety because of the injuries to the team's safeties.

Chiefs placed CB Maurice Leggett (shoulder) on injured reserve, ending his season. An undrafted rookie from Valdosta State, Leggett showed promising big-play ability in his first year, scoring TDs on both an interception and a fumble recovery. He will return in 2009 as the favorite to be KC's nickel corner.

Chiefs placed CB Maurice Leggett (shoulder) on injured reserve, ending his season. An undrafted rookie from Valdosta State, Leggett showed promising big-play ability in his rookie year, scoring TDs on both an interception and a fumble recovery. He will return in 2009 as the favorite to be KC's nickel corner.

Jackson had a team-high seven tackles (all solo) in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville.

Spin: Jackson's seven tackles on Sunday were more than he had in the season's first seven games combined. However, stats for defensive lineman are often highly misleading, and Jackson has been a better performer than the numbers indicate. Fantasy-wise though, numbers are all that matters, and Jackson should not be on your IDP radar.Sun, Nov 8

Jackson has started all five games for the Chiefs this season, but has just three tackles and one quarterback pressure.

Spin: Jackson was not drafted to be a pass-rusher, but it would be nice to see him at least occasionally cause some disruption in the pocket. What's most disappointing though, is the lack of success defending the run. Three tackles through five games is a miserable number. Kansas City's run defense ranks 25th in the league.Thu, Oct 15

Jackson is listed as the starting left defensive end on the Chiefs' most recent depth chart, the team's official site reports.

Spin: Jackson missed some time early in camp and needed a while to ascend the depth chart, but he had a terrific game on Saturday night and will likely open the season as the starter.Mon, Aug 31

Williams had three solo tackles in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville.

Spin: Williams continues to maintain his starting spot over Derrick Johnson, but his tackle numbers have been pretty inconsistent this year, jumping from high to low on an almost weekly basis.Sun, Nov 8

Although he came off the bench in Week 7, Williams remains one of the team's starting inside linebackers, the Kansas City Star reports. "He's played as good of football as anybody on this team," coach Todd Haley said.

Spin: Williams is not an overly productive fantasy option, even in deeper leagues, but at least he doesn't seem to be in any imminent danger of losing his starting spot.Thu, Nov 5

Derrick Johnson commented that he is not happy riding the pine as a reserve, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post. Johnson said, "It sucks. It kind of sucks to not be starting and not be playing like I should. I should be out there playing. I should be out there starting. I should be out there helping this team win. Coach knows I want to play. He knows I disagree with not playing. He knows that

Our View: Johnson was hoping to be traded prior to Tuesday's deadline. He has the talent to be a solid fantasy linebacker, but his value looks to remain limited while working behind Demorrio Williams.

David Herron Jr. was limited in Friday's practice, and he is questionable for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, according to the Chiefs' official website. He is dealing with a knee injury.

Our View: Herron won't be missed in IDP leagues if unable to play, as he merely contributes on special teams coverage.

According to SB Nation, linebacker David Herron Jr. has been ruled out of Week 10 with an undisclosed knee injury.

Our View: Herron has been held out of practice all week, so the fact that he will be inactive on game day is not a surprise. LB Justin Rogers will likely play in his place.

Posted by ESPN.com's Bill Williamson The Chiefs signed linebacker David Herron and cornerback Mike Richardson on Wednesday. Both players have a...

Chiefs LB Andy Studebaker will make his first career NFL start on Sunday against the Steelers. Studebaker will start at OLB in place of the injured Mike Vrabel (knee). The Chiefs signed him off the Eagles practice squad last November after the Eagles drafted him in the sixth round out of D-III Wheaton College in 2008.Source: Kansas City Star

Chiefs signed LB Andy Studebaker off the Eagles practice squad. With half of their starting defense questionable for this week's game against Buffalo, the Chiefs needed a healthy body.Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News

The Philadelphia Eagles announced Monday, Sept. 1, that they have signed free-agent LB Andy Studebaker (Eagles) to their practice squad.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs CB Brandon Carr earned an extra $263,058 through the NFL\'s performance-based pay system.

Cornerback Brandon Carr has been named to the All-Joe Team, reports the Kansas City Chiefs team website. The team is named after former Kansas City defensive tackle Joe Phillips, who retired from football in 1999. The honor is bestowed upon those players who are seen as being the hardest working members of the league that don't receive proper recognition for their efforts.Carr finished his first NFL season with 77 tackles, fifth on the team. He also recorded two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

Cornerback Brandon Carr has been named to the All-Joe Team, reports the Kansas City Chiefs team website. The team is named after former Kansas City defensive tackle Joe Phillips, who retired from football in 1999. The honor is bestowed upon those players who are seen as being the hardest working members of league that don't receive proper recognition for their efforts.Carr finished his first NFL season with 77 tackles, fifth on the team. He also recorded two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

Five games into his rookie season, Washington has three tackles.

Spin: Washington has spent some time as the nickel back this season, but hasn't produced much in the way of statistics. Even on special teams he hasn't been much of a contributor.Thu, Oct 15

CBSSports.com reports Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley would not commit to changes in his defense, but there is a chance CB Donald Washington could see a larger role Week 4. Washington worked as the nickel cornerback Week 3.

Washington will likely start Thursday's preseason finale against the Rams in place of the injured Brandon Flowers, CBS Sports reports.

Spin: Flowers is dealing with a shoulder injury, the severity of which is unknown. Until we know whether he is at risk of missing the season opener, Washington can probably be ignored in IDP leagues.Tue, Sep 1

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs DE Wallace Gilberry (head) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 9. He is listed as probable for Week 5 and will play.

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs DE Wallace Gilberry (head) did not participate in practice Thursday, Oct. 8. His status for Week 5 is uncertain.

Wallace Gilberry was limited in Wednesday's practice while dealing with a head ailment, according to the Chiefs' official website.

Our View: The Chiefs should manage fine if the backup defensive end is unable to go in Week 5 against Dallas.

Bill Williamson, of ESPN.com, reports Kansas City Chiefs LB Corey Mays was fined $5,000 by the NFL for unnecessary roughness during the team’s Week 7 game.

Mays had nine tackles (five solo) in Sunday's overtime loss to the Cowboys.

Spin: Mays had just eight tackles in the previous two games, so we'll wait to see if he can deliver this kind of production on a regular basis before we endorse him as an IDP.Mon, Oct 12

News: Chiefs defenders who gave a helping hand in Week 6 vs. the Cowboys include: LB Corey Mays (nine total tackles), LB Demorrio Williams (seven total tackles) and DL Wallace Gilberry (solo tackle, sack).

Analysis: Mays is worth a look off waivers in deeper IDP leagues, as is Williams. Gilberry shouldn't be on any Fantasy rosters. The Chiefs play at the Redskins in Week 6

Hali had three solo tackles (two for a loss) in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville.

Spin: Hali's transition to outside linebacker has gone well for the Chiefs, but it hasn't necessarily translated to useful fantasy numbers. He does have three sacks, but the tackle numbers are far from elite for a linebacker.Sun, Nov 8

Hali had four tackles (two solo) and a sack that resulted in a safety Sunday against Washington.

Spin: Hali has made the transition to outside linebacker smoother than anyone could have hoped, but he's still not especially fantasy-relevant at such a loaded position. The sack was his third of the season.Mon, Oct 19

News: Kansas City LB Tamba Hali forced a safety as he sacked QB Todd Collins in the end zone late in the 4th quarter of their Week 6 win at Washington. The sack iced the game for the Chiefs. Hali finished with four tackles in the game.

Analysis: Hali has 18 tackles on the season and now has three sacks. Hali has minimal Fantasy value as a Fantasy IDP player. We still wouldn't really use him Week 7 against the Chargers

Kansas City safety Mike Brown became the first Chiefs player in more than 12 years to win the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award.Brown won the h...

Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Brown picked off two passes in Sunday's win over the Oakland Raiders, and today he learned that he's been named the AFC defensive player of the week. It's the second player of the week award...

News: Kansas City DB Mike Brown intercepted two passes on Sunday in a Week 11 win over the Raiders. They were his first two interceptions of the season. He had only one tackle in the game however.

Analysis: Brown is not all of the sudden a high-end Fantasy option because he was able to intercept two balls thrown by Bruce Gradkowski. Think of him as a low-end option for Week 11 against the Steelers