The Kansas City Chiefs announced that All-Pro safety Eric Berry is out for the season after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in their 42-27 win over the New England Patriots in their opening game Thursday. Berry suffered the injury while covering Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski in the fourth quarter. He was carted off the field and did not return. Berry’s loss is a big blow to the Chiefs as they lost a key member of their defensive unit. "You're not going to replace Eric Berry with another Eric Berry," Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said of Berry, who recently signed a six-year deal worth $78 million in February.
According to Reid, Daniel Sorensen and Eric Murray may fill the void left by Berry, a five-time Pro Bowl safety. The 28-year-old Berry was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 but returned to action in 2015. In 2011, he missed 15 games due to an ACL tear.
Patriots’ linebacker Dont'a Hightower has MCL sprain
The Patriots can heave a sigh of relief after it was determined that linebacker Dont'a Hightower suffered just a minor MCL sprain in their loss to the Chiefs. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, Hightower has ten days to recover and could play in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Hightower sustained the injury midway through the third quarter when his leg rolled up on by Chiefs offensive lineman Mitch Morse.
The injury limited Hightower to just 35 snaps against the Chiefs. With Hightower sidelined, the Chiefs capitalized as they scored 21 points in the fourth quarter en route to the huge victory.
Cam Newton questionable against 49ers
The Carolina Panthers have listed quarterback Cam Newton as questionable days before the face the San Francisco 49ers in their season opener Sunday.
The quarterback underwent surgery on his injured shoulder in March and missed a major portion of the preseason. He played in the Panthers’ third preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing all of his two passes for a touchdown. Panthers coach Ron Rivera did not give an indication that Newton will miss his start.
“I think he's ready,” said Rivera. Meanwhile, Rapoport said the Panthers are fielding calls about kicker Graham Gano, who has been the team’s kicker since 2012. The team might part ways with Gano and make rookie kicker Harrison Butker as their starting kicker. Last season, Gano made just 78.9 percent of his kicks and missed three extra points for the Panthers. Gano is set to earn $3.05 million this season.
