Professor

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns

Chiefs GM counting Holmes 'in' for next season
By DAVE SKRETTA, Associated Press Writer
April 20, 2006

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- With an NFL draft full of tantalizing young players looming, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Carl Peterson turned his attention Thursday to a veteran.

Peterson said he is counting Priest Holmes "in" for next season, as the three-time Pro Bowl running back continues to recover from midseason surgery for head and neck trauma.

"If we had to start today, right now, the doctor would not clear him for contact," Peterson said. "But we don't have to start today."

Holmes, who was injured last October against San Diego, is continuing to work out at his home in Texas, just as he has the past three offseasons. Peterson said doctors will evaluate him again soon, and new coach Herman Edwards said he hopes Holmes will be able to return.

Although they have more pressing needs at cornerback and defensive end, Holmes' status may not preclude the Chiefs from drafting a running back in a later round if the timing is right.

In 2003, the Chiefs took Larry Johnson in the first round, despite Holmes seemingly entrenched at running back. Three years later, the Penn State product emerged as one of the NFL's brightest young stars.

Johnson rushed for more than 100 yards in each of his nine starts after Holmes' injury, racking up 1,750 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. It was enough that one of Edwards' first moves with the Chiefs was to name Johnson the starting running back entering fall camp.

"Priest knows that," Edwards said. "Everybody knows that."

But Edwards also noted that many of Johnson's yards came as he simply ran over defenders, a tactic that might wear him down over a full season.

That's why Edwards is eagerly awaiting Holmes' decision. The Chiefs have signed former Denver Broncos running back Quentin Griffin, but have very little depth beyond that. They also lost Tony Richardson, one of the best blocking fullbacks in the league, to free agency.

"I don't care what back it is, he's not going to carry the ball 500 times. You can figure out the rest mathematically," Edwards said. "You're going to have at least two backs."

MACTANK

Priest doesn't wanna be a back up, but he breaks easily. When is the last time he's finished a season.

But the again, if he stays, he won't see as many touches.

Professor

herm has already said that LJ is number one, after this last and somewhat serious injury, priest should just hang it up.

exide99ride

There is nothing stated in that column by Priest that he is returning, now he may but we have heard nothing from him.

PoppaPoe33

Holmes is a great back, and it's a shame about his injury problems. If he does stay healthy, he'll be a great one-two punch along with Johnson. However, if he stays healthy I don't see him staying on the Chiefs as a backup though.

__________________

bigboy

Actually for this year he will be a back up and on the team. From what I read it will cost them more money to cut him then it would to keep him. Plus having him as a back up reduces the wear and he would be just as effective in that role, possibly even making Johnson's #'s drop a bit.

Professor

I agree with this assessment. Johnson will still put up huge numbers but not 2000 as long as priest is around. Granted herm said that LJ is the #1 guy, but with priest there, it is not like he won't be used at all. That just doesn't make sense.