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A few weeks after Jon Baldwin's infamous fight with Chiefs running back Thomas Jones, his status for this week's opening game is still unknown.
Unknown is starting to sound a whole lot like 'out.' Baldwin reportedly isn't able to catch the ball in practice due to the injury (Thanks to SB Nation Kansas City):
How far away rookie WR Jon Baldwin is from being able to play remains unknown as he was the only player on the field working in the team’s rehab area during Thursday’s practice. Baldwin can run, but he can’t catch because of his broken right thumb.
It's looking downright doubtful for JB to play and if he can't catch the ball, there's no way he gets on the field, obviously. Even if he were able to catch balls in practice today, he probably ain't playing.
He injured his thumb in the fight and while he has practiced since then, he's not played in any games since then. We may get a final word later today for sure.
More importantly, it's going to be interesting to see what the Chiefs do long term. If Baldwin's injury lingers, do they go out an try to pick up another wideout? If so, that could mean Baldwin gets pushed back further down the depth chart if it's a veteran they bring in.
Even if he is able to start playing pretty soon, the missed time in catching passes and developing a rhythm with quarterback Matt Cassel can't bode well. Regardless of what happens or how quickly he's able to get back, the alleged fight with Jones is costing him at least a portion of his rookie season - maybe a significant one.