Chiefs’ Chris Jones returns to practice, but multiple defensive players still sidelined

The Chiefs had one of their defensive starters back on the practice field Wednesday.

Defensive tackle Chris Jones, who didn’t work Wednesday because of an illness, was set to practice Wednesday as the Chiefs continued preparing for Saturday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks at GEHA Field.

While Jones returned, the Chiefs were still down multiple players because of illness.

Defensive end Mike Danna and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders missed a second straight day of practice, while the Chiefs announced backup safety Deon Bush was also sick and wouldn’t be practicing.

“We’re battling some things with the guys, but I think we’ll be OK,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “(Chiefs head athletic trainer) Rick (Burkholder) is taking care of that.”

If Danna and/or Saunders can’t play Saturday, the Chiefs should still have adequate depth in their defensive line rotation.

Defensive end Carlos Dunlap would see more playing time, and the Chiefs could turn to Malik Herring. At defensive tackle, the Chiefs have Brandon Williams behind Jones, Saunders and Derrick Nnadi on the active 53-player roster and Danny Shelton on the practice squad.

Tight end Jody Fortson (elbow) missed a second straight day of practice.

Everybody else on the roster was practicing Wednesday. That meant Nnadi (Achilles), tight end Gray (shoulder), wide receiver Kadarius Toney (hamstring), rookie running back Isiah Pacheco (shoulder), cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (calf), offensive lineman Lucas Niang (knee) and rookie defensive back Nazeeh Johnson (hamstring) were expected to work in some capacity after also practicing fully Tuesday.

The Chiefs later in the afternoon designated Nnadi, Gray, Toney, Pacheco, Sneed, Niang and Johnson as full participants for a second straight day.

Wide receiver Mecole Hardman (abdomen) and tight end Blake Bell (hip) were expected on the practice field in some capacity. Both are attempting to return from injured reserve and the Chiefs aren’t required to list their participation levels.

“We’re just trying to make sure that we’re getting those guys back in the rhythm of things,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said. “(We) don’t want to overexert them. You just want to make sure that they’re getting back in football shape, and if needed they can be there.”

Head coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that Hardman has “a good chance” of being activated from the reserve/injured list in time for Saturday’s game against the Seahawks. Hardman’s 21-day evaluation window opened last week when he returned to practice.