The Chiefs intend to bring cornerback Steven Nelson off injured reserve, according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star (Twitter link), who reports Nelson’s status has been changed to reserve/injured with a designation to return.
Nelson suffered a core muscle injury during the summer, but the Chiefs placed him on their initial 53-man roster instead of putting him on IR before final cutdowns. That maneuver now allows them to bring Nelson back, and that’s been the plan all along. Nelson, 24, was full-time starter during the 2016 campaign, as he played 90% of Kansas City’s defensive snaps opposite Marcus Peters.
Nelson’s return should buoy a Chiefs defense that ranks just 21st in DVOA and 17th in passing defense DVOA. Terrance Mitchell has filled in as a starting corner for Kansas City, but he’s struggled (No. 81 CB per Pro Football Focus), so it shouldn’t be surprising is Nelson immediately slides back into his old role. Mitchell and Phillip Gaines should be used more sparingly once Nelson returns.
NFL rules now allow clubs to bring two players back from IR, but the Chiefs don’t have any other options at present to designate as return players. Safety Eric Berry, running back Spencer Ware, wide receiver Chris Conley, and defensive back Ashton Lampkin all suffered season-ending injuries that won’t allow them to return in 2017.