One measure of the early success of Kyle Turleys comeback is that hes looking forward to playing against this years overall No. 1 draft pick, Houstons Mario Williams.
Theres no better sign for the Chiefs that Turley, more than two years removed from playing his last game, is ready to face a premier talent like Williams in Saturday nights preseason opener against the Texans in Houston.
So far, so good for Turley in his attempt to return from two years of back troubles and fill the space at left tackle that became empty for the Chiefs when Willie Roaf retired.
Turley wont face Williams on Saturday night unless the rookie, whos playing the left side himself, flips sides.
Whether he sees Williams, merely playing in the game is a big step for Turley, who hasnt played since a playoff game for the Rams following the 2003 season.
Its on track, Turley said. I wont be completely content until the season is over with and Ive played all 16 games and then some, hopefully.
Turley appeared tentative in his first few practices, as if he didnt trust his back to hold up. But that hasnt been a problem in recent practices.
Hes a little rusty because he hasnt played football for a little while, offensive coordinator Mike Solari said. The key thing for him is to learn our system and what we need to do as far as techniques and blocking schemes. Thats where the uncertainty comes in. When youre not sure what to do, you look hesitant coming off the ball.
Turley said: I havent played football in two years, so there was some rust to knock off. Learning a new system doesnt help. There are a lot of plays to learn, and a lot of them sound the same. So I was going through not just the physical part of it, but also the mental part of it.
His back, meanwhile, seemingly has held up well. Turley has been given a few practices off, but thats no different from many of the Chiefs veterans.
He turned down at least one offer to rest on another day. Thats another positive sign for Turley.
Ive trained hard, he said. Ive taken a couple of practices off, but Ive practiced a lot more than that, so Im pleased with that part of it.
The Chiefs were most impressed with Turleys play against another former No. 1 draft pick, Minnesotas Erasmus James, when they practiced against the Vikings last week.
But practice is conducted at a certain speed, far below that of a game. Thats what makes the game in Houston a big step for Turley.
Its a game situation, so thats good, he said. Minnesota was a practice. The game takes a different mentality. Everything is a little bit faster. People will be moving around much quicker.
I dont feel I would need any more work than what is normal in the preseason. The preseason is just what it always has been for me, I hope. Im not going to be content until Ive started 16 games for this team, finished out this season and played every down.
I dont want to waste any snaps. That wouldnt be wise. These games dont really count. There have been times in my career when we went undefeated in the preseason and then 3-13 during the season.
Weight continues to be an issue for Turley, who lost several pounds as he battled his back issues. He said hes up to about 280 pounds, which is still light for an offensive tackle.
By comparison, Roaf is 320 pounds. Right tackle Kevin Sampson is 312.
and let me know how he looks.
