KC Chiefs injury update: Hitchens misses practice; Chris Jones out for personal reasons

The Chiefs appeared to be getting healthier on their first day of practice this week ahead of Monday night’s home game.

Unlike previous weeks, when multiple players were absent from practice with various ailments, the Chiefs were missing just three for Thursday’s on-field work, which was conducted indoors because of rainy conditions in Kansas City.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said linebacker Anthony Hitchens (tricep), defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (knee) and defensive lineman Chris Jones (personal reasons) would not practice.

Reid said he expected Jones, who has also dealt with a groin-strain that he suffered during Sunday’s loss in Tennessee, to be back for practice Friday.

Hitchens suffered his injury in Week 6 against the Washington Football Team and didn’t play last weekend at the Titans. He was observed last week with his right arm in a sling.

Saunders’ knee flared up after Sunday’s game, but Reid didn’t sound concerned.

“It looks like he’s doing pretty good here,” the coach said.

Reid didn’t mention fullback Michael Burton, who suffered a pectoral injury in Week 6 and missed last week’s game. The Chiefs later designated Burton as limited in Thursday’s practice.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who addressed the media Thursday morning, also seemed OK. He left the Week 7 loss in the fourth quarter to be evaluated for a concussion before clearing the league’s evaluation protocol. He finished the game on the sideline and later said he felt fine.

The Chiefs listed tight end Travis Kelce (neck), running back Darrel Williams (hamstring), left guard Joe Thuney (hand), right guard Trey Smith (ankle) and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (wrist) as full participants in Thursday’s practice.

For the Giants, running back Saquon Barkley (ankle), wide receiver Kenny Golladay (knee), wide receiver Kadarius Toney (ankle), linebacker Lorenzo Carter (ankle) and defensive back Nate Ebner (ankle) did not practice.

Tight end Evan Engram (calf), wide receiver Sterling Sharpe (hamstring), defensive lineman Danny Shelton (pectoral) and tight end Kaden Smith (knee) were limited.