AFC West Notes: Chargers, Chiefs, Raiders

Chargers

According to Eric Williams of ESPN, Chargers CB Jason Verrett appeared to be moving well while competing in 7-on-7 drills during organized team activities last week and the team is hopeful he can make a successful return from the season-ending knee injury he suffered last year.

“He’s a competitor,” Chargers S Jahleel Addae said about Verrett. “When you make a Pro Bowl in your second year, your confidence is up and you feel you can be the best in the league at your position.

“To me, he still can. He’s ready. He’ll be out there this season, and you’ll see glimpses of what he can do.”

• Williams adds that Chargers G Forrest Lamp (ACL) has yet to be cleared for full practice.

Chiefs

• Chiefs HC Andy Reid said WR Tyreek Hill “twisted his ankle” during Wednesday’s practice, but it is not considered to be serious. (BJ Kissel)
• Reid added that RB Akeem Hunt has “missed some time” due to a hamstring injury.

Raiders

Raiders DC Paul Guenther says that veteran LB Derrick Johnson has picked up their defensive system “real quick.”

“He has picked it up real quick,” Guenther said, via Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area. “He’s able to get us in and out of defenses. When you’re at that point, the guy has been here for what, two to three weeks now, and he’s able to really understand what we’re trying to get to. To have a veteran piece that can kind of control the show out there is a big, important part for me.”

Johnson mentioned that he’s taking on a leadership role in his own way.

“This Raider team really respects me,” Johnson said. “Once I say something, they kind of get it. My style isn’t too aggressive. It’s not that guy that’s in their face. I’m a big guy of lead by example, of course. But at times you have to speak up. You have to let them know what you’re thinking. You have to demand some things at times. Everybody is different, with different personalities. You can’t talk to everybody the same. I have to talk to [second-year pro] Nick Morrow different than [veteran] Bruce Irvin. It’s just a different type of deal.”