Kansas City Chiefs Eric Fisher not expected to play
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher (72) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jason Worilds (93) during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Kansas City Chiefs won 26-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs rookie right tackle Eric Fisher was the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, and the Central Michigan product has been an absolute disappointment. He has all the physical tools to be an elite tackle in this league, but there is definitely a massive jump between the competition he faced in college and the competition in the NFL. Adjusting to life as an offensive tackle is incredibly difficult to do, and top, young tackles like Orlando Franklin, Trent Williams, and Russell Okung all had awful rookie seasons. So even though Fisher has sucked this year, nobody should be worried unless if he sucks when year three rolls around; give Fisher some time.
Fisher suffered a shoulder injury in last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos in what was another rough day for the rookie RT. His injury didn’t seem too serious, but he was ruled out for the game. I though the Chiefs would be able to have Fisher healthy for another rivalry game today against the San Diego Chargers, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid doesn’t expect Eric Fisher to play this week, and Werder writes that the Chiefs will likely start Donald Stephenson in his place at right tackle due to Fisher’s injury. Even though Fisher has struggled mightily this season, Stephenson is honestly significantly worse. On the bright side, the Chargers don’t exactly have a fearsome pass rush.
Reid stated that Fisher’s shoulder injury isn’t a “long-term” issue, which is solid confirmation that he merely suffered a one-week-or-so stinger against Denver.