Injured McIntosh could return in time for season opener

Associated Press






Updated: August 8, 2007, 9:10 PM ET



RIVER FALLS, Wis. -- The Kansas City Chiefs received some good news Wednesday when they learned left tackle Damion McIntosh will miss only four to six weeks with a sprained right knee.
The team initially feared the worst when McIntosh had to be taken off the practice field Monday on a motorized cart. But now he could be back in time to play in the Sept. 9 season opener at Houston.
If McIntosh is out for the full six weeks, he would miss the team's first two regular-season games and likely return on Sept. 23 when Minnesota visits Arrowhead Stadium.
The Chiefs signed McIntosh, a seven-year veteran who previously played with San Diego and Miami, before the season in hopes he could fill a void at left tackle.
In the past two offseasons, the Chiefs have lost perennial Pro Bowl offensive linemen Willie Roaf and Will Shields to retirement.
While McIntosh recovers, third-year pro Will Svitek, a former sixth-round draft choice and converted defensive lineman, will be the starter at left tackle.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press