Chiefs injury update: Seasonal illness strikes Kansas City locker room

The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their practice week on Wednesday ahead of their Week 15 tilt with the New England Patriots. Two starters on offense remain absent from practice, yet the Chiefs got some reinforcements on both sides of the ball.

Second-year WR Justyn Ross returned from suspension on Wednesday, getting his first on-field work in the past six weeks. Andy Reid explained on Monday, that they'd see where he was in his conditioning before determining his role moving forward.

As for the defense, LB Drue Tranquill logged his first full practice since suffering a concussion against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13. This suggests that Tranquill is far enough along in the league's return-to-play protocol that he could be back on the field when the team travels to face the Patriots in Gillette Stadium later this weekend.

There was one new development which could be problematic for the defensive side of the ball:

Seasonal illness hits the defense

The Chiefs have already dealt with several injuries on the defensive side of the ball lately with Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Bryan Cook. Now, a pair of defenders are missing practice due to seasonal illnesses.

"We've got a couple of guys that are under the weather," Reid said. "Leo (Chenal) and Mike Edwards."

Hopefully, both players can log some limited practices on Thursday and return to full participation by the end of the practice week.

Latest injury report from Chiefs practice:

KEY: DNP = Did not participate | LP = Limited participation | FP = Full participation | NIR = Not injury related

Observations:

• Nick Bolton has a new abdominal injury causing him to log a limited practice on Wednesday.
• Drue Tranquill was a full participant which bodes well regarding the NFL's return-to-play protocols for concussions.

For more information on the Patriots' injury situation, check here .

Related: Chiefs lose rookie defender for second time this season