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Chiefs RB Holmes could start against Broncos

Nov 11, 2007 - 11:51 AM Denver (3-5) at Kansas City (4-4) Sunday 1:00 pm EST

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- Running back Priest Holmes could see his first significant action in nearly two years on Sunday, when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Denver Broncos in a battle of banged-up AFC West teams.

Kansas City's top running back, Larry Johnson, underwent an MRI exam Monday on his right foot, which he injured in Sunday's 33-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Chiefs coach Herman Edwards told the Topeka Capital-Journal that Johnson had treatment on Monday but could not put weight on the foot.

Johnson was injured when he was tackled by A.J. Hawk with 7:52 remaining in Sunday's game. The team described the injury as a sprained foot.

After limping off the field, Johnson was carted to the locker room and did not return. He rushed for 53 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 42 yards and a TD.

If Johnson can't play, Holmes likely would start for the Chiefs, who despite a 4-4 record, are tied with the San Diego Chargers for first place in the suddenly weak AFC West.

After returning to practice on October 15, Holmes has run for only 17 yards on seven carries in limited duty the past two games.

Holmes had been sidelined since suffering a spinal cord injury in 2005. The injury did not heal last year an he spent the entire 2006 season on injured reserve.

In the preseason, Holmes was not seriously in Kansas City's plans, but now he could have a major impact on the Chiefs' playoff hopes.

Rookie Kolby Smith, who hasn't carried the ball this season, also could get some carries against the Broncos.

"You can't give Priest all of those carries, obviously, if Larry can't go," Edwards said. "Smith will have to play some, too."

The Broncos have their own problems as they are in danger of falling out of playoff contention, having dropped five of their last six games.

To make matters worse, Denver could be without starting quarterback Jay Cutler, who suffered a bruised left fibula in last week's 44-7 drubbing at Detroit.

The Broncos did get some good news as an MRI on Monday revealed no fracture in Cutler's leg, but his status for Sunday remains uncertain.

If Cutler is unable to play, Patrick Ramsey will get the start. Ramsey played well in relief of Cutler last week, completing 29-of-46 passes for 262 yards with a touchdown and interception.