Eric Berry could return to Chiefs as early as Sunday

Berry can not sign a new deal until after the Chiefs’ season ends, so he’ll play under the franchise tender this season and he’ll earn a shade under $11 million.

Berry has not been part of any of the Chiefs’ offseason or preseason activities, and he and the team failed to come to terms on a long-term deal.

“I think it’s important to see what kind of shape he is in and then gradually bring him back into the football speed of things”, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said earlier this week.

Multiple reports indicated Berry would be with the team by Sunday but miss the all-important third preseason game against the Chicago Bears. However, the circumstances following Berry returning to the field last season following a December 2014 diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma made the issue a little more sticky and personal.

Berry’s absence will end before the preseason. The Chiefs remain optimistic they can sign him after this season, though Berry will demand a premium on the free-agent market.

He originally entered the NFL as a first-round draft selection, fifth overall pick, of the Chiefs in the 2010 NFL Draft. Coach Dan Quinn said the injury is not expected to threaten Jones’ status for the regular season.

Wide receiver Julio Jones is expected to be limited in practice after leaving Thursday night’s game in the second quarter with an ankle injury.

Havenstein off PUP list • Rams starting right tackle Rob Havenstein passed his physical Friday, and has been removed from the team’s physically unable to perform list. Griffin completed 8 of 14 passes for 119 yards and one TD. The safety earned a Pro Bowl berth just one year after being diagnosed with cancer.