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Tight end Jody Fortson has become one of the more well-liked players on the Kansas City Chiefs roster.
It was an underrated blow to the offense when Fortson tore his Achilles in 2021, but that serious injury did not stop him from proving himself once again this spring and early summer. During the rookie portion of camp on July 23, the pass catcher had three touchdowns, according to team reporter Matt McMullen.
He followed that up on July 29 with The Athletic’s Nate Taylor called “a Jody Fortson day.” Generally speaking, though, search Twitter or read any camp write-up and you’ll often see the 6-foot-6 weapon listed as a standout or one of the positives of practice.
Simply put, Fortson had been scorching hot after returning from an Achilles tear. And that’s why his July 30 quad injury feels deflating.
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Injury Update From Andy Reid
After leaving practice early on July 30, Fortson was in shorts on August 1 and was labeled “out” by Harold R. Kuntz of Fox 4 KC.
Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney commented on Kuntz’s update: “Latest look at TE Jody Fortson; shorts, no helmet and a full-leg compression sleeve on his right leg. Fortson presumably injured his right quad last practice. Looks like he’ll be watching along today. Should have more [information] after practice concludes.”
Head coach Andy Reid did address the media after Day 1 of padded practice, saying about Fortson, “He’s got a quad strain. Doesn’t look too bad at all; he’s swinging right back into it and I think it’ll be a few days and [we’ll] get him back out there.”
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Fortson’s Journey Takes Another Detour
A former undrafted prospect who has been climbing his way up the Chiefs’ organizational ladder since 2019, Fortson will try to turn 2022 into his long-awaited breakout campaign. He showed signs last year before his injury, catching all five of his targets from Patrick Mahomes II, which included two touchdowns and three first downs.
That effort came out to 47 total yards over six appearances, or 9.4 yards per reception.
The quad injury might nothing more than a small setback and Fortson could retake his place as the offensive mismatch that he’s turned into for coverage units. Typical minor quad strains, which can be tricky and even dangerous, often take one week to heal. A severe one can take four to eight weeks.
The Chiefs HC said it would be a “few days,” but it wouldn’t be surprising if the tight end sat a little bit longer than that and returned in a week. The injury occurred on Saturday and a
Kansas City does not want to turn this into a severe strain, or worse, a tear. Considering it’s only early August, there’s no reason to push Fortson back any sooner than he needs to be.
Scary Moment
Mahomes did leave the practice field gingerly today after tweaking his left ankle, entering the medical tent for a few long moments. The superstar did return to the field thereafter.
Following practice, Reid told reporters that Mahomes was “okay,” and that he only “got stepped on.”
False alarm, Chiefs Kingdom. Carry on.
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