The Kansas City Chiefs worked out linebacker Bobby Carpenter earlier this week, according to reports.
Adam Caplan of The Sideline View tweeted the news on Wednesday. The Chiefs also worked out linebacker Bryan Kehl, Caplan said.
Starting inside linebacker Derrick Johnson is fighting an ankle injury and told the Kansas City Star he's "optimistic" he'll play in Sunday's season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Jovan Belcher, the Chief's other starting inside linebacker, missed practice Thursday (after it was reported that Carpenter and Kehl had worked out) with a sore groin.
The workouts of Carpenter and Kehl were likely intended to bolster depth amid a slew of injuries to Kansas City's defense, but the latest news on Belcher may make the situation more urgent.
Carpenter was the No. 18 overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He was traded to the St. Louis Rams in May 2010 and was cut in September 2010. He has since spent time with the Miami Dolphins, the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots.
The Chiefs kick off against the Falcons on Sunday at 12 p.m. CT on Fox.
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