Reinforcements are on the way, probably.

Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steve Nelson could return to the lineup this Monday against the Broncos, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid explained in a press conference early Monday afternoon. Nelson had core muscle surgery prior to the beginning of the season.

“It would be Monday,” Reid said. “Monday’s the day that he can play.”

Because of the new injured reserve rule, the presumed thought had been that Nelson wouldn’t be able to return until Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys, but because the Chiefs placed him on injured reserve eight weeks ago, the game being Monday night means eight weeks would have passed and he’d be eligible to play, per Reid.

“We’ll just have to see how he does as he gets out here and runs around a little bit,” Reid added.

We all acknowledge that the Chiefs’ secondary did not have it’s best game against the Oakland Raiders, allowing 417 yards through the air. You’d hope that the return of Nelson would help against the Denver Broncos.

Back in training camp, Nelson mixed in at the starting right cornerback position and slot cornerback in the nickel and dime packages.

The Broncos were without wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders, Isaiah McKenzie and Cody Latimer against the Chargers and lost 21-0. Prior to the Chargers’ game, Sanders and McKenzie were said to be “week to week” with significant ankle sprains.

All signs point to the Chiefs’ having more success against the pass this week, but as they say, that’s why they play the games.