Dwayne Bowe will play

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) scores a touchdown during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 31-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs No. 1 wide receiver Dwayne Bowe did not practice on Friday due to a groin injury, and it seems like he sustained the injury during a limited practice session on Thursday. The injury is deemed as minor at this point, and ESPN’s Ed Werder reported yesterday that Bowe is expected to play. CBS Sports’s Jason La Canfora also reported that Dwayne Bowe will play today against the Cleveland Browns despite being listed questionable.

Although it would have been a bit of a surprise for Bowe to be absent, it’s great to hear that he is essentially a lock to play. The Chiefs would still defeat the Browns with Bowe out, but it wouldn’t be as easy. The Chiefs passing attack is the only weakness of this team right now, and it seems to be a glaring weakness. Alex Smith hasn’t been awful, but I think he’s been a disappointment compared to the numbers he put up last year. But he’s also playing with a below-average group of pass-catchers, as Bowe is really the team’s only legit receiver.

Donnie Avery would be the No. 1 receiver if Bowe somehow misses this game, and that sounds about as appetizing as it is. Joe Haden is an elite corner, so it’s better to have Bowe on him than Avery on him. Bowe is going to have a tough game today against Haden, but the Chiefs have a significantly better chance at winning with Bowe on the field. Part of that is due to schematic flexibility. Either way, the Chiefs are carried by their defense and running game, and both of those units should be clicking against the Browns. The only way this team loses is if Jason Campbell plays out of his friggin’ mind and Jamaal Charles lays an egg; don’t bet on either happening.

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