Decision on Laurent Duvernay-Tardif returning from IR looms

The Chiefs have a decision to make.

The window for offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to practice and subsequently return from injured reserve closes on Tuesday. Duvernay-Tardif has been on injured reserve since Week 6 after suffering a fractured fibula.

The injury was initially worse than expected, but considering Duvernay-Tardif himself is a doctor, he took expert care in his recovery. He’s been mostly working on the scout team in his return to practice for the team.

Andy Reid provided an update on Duvernay-Tardif’s progress 11 days ago and explained that there are certain things he can do well and other things that he is still working on.

Now, it’s zero hour for the Chiefs and the good doctor. Andy Reid spoke on Monday about the process they’ll go through to see whether Duvernay-Tardif will be rejoining his teammates on this championship run.

“Yeah we’ll see how he does throughout today,” Reid explained. “And then Brett (Veach) and I will get together and talk through that.”

A joint decision between coach Reid, Brett Veach, and likely the Chiefs’ own medical and training staff is ahead. Unless Duvernay-Tardif shows significant improvement in whatever activity he faces today, this decision could be a tough one for the Chiefs’ brass. Duvernay-Tardif might not even regain his starting position as replacement Andrew Wylie has done a fantastic job in his stead.

If the Chiefs do decide to bring Duvernay-Tardif back from injured reserve they would have to make room on the 53-man roster. Check back on Tuesday to find out the Chiefs’ decision on their starting right guard.