Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Friday that James (knee) is "close" to returning from injured reserve, though the receiver remains without a clear timeline to resume playing, Pete Sweeney of ArrowheadPride.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite Reid's encouraging comments, James hasn't yet been designated for return from injured reserve since being deactivated ahead of the Chiefs' Week 3 game against the Bears. Since he hasn't resumed practicing with the team, James can safely be ruled out for Sunday's game in Denver, though a return Week 9 versus Miami could be more realistic if the Chiefs elect to open his 21-day evaluation window.

The Chiefs placed James (knee) on injured reserve Saturday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

James failed to log a practice all week while dealing with an MCL injury. He played in just three offensive snaps in Week 2 against the Jaguars but plays an important role as the Chiefs' primary returner on special teams. He'll be forced to sit out for at least the next four games and is eligible to return in Week 7 against the Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 22.

James (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 3 game against the Bears.

EDGE Analysis

James didn't practice at all this week, as he's dealing with an MCL issue. The veteran slot man has played just 26 offensive snaps through two games, catching one pass for six yards on three targets. His loss will be felt more on special teams where James is the Chiefs' punt returner.

James (knee) will not practice Thursday, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

James is still recovering from an MCL injury and is likely on the wrong side of questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears. According to special teams coach Dave Toub, if James misses, the team may turn to a committee of Kadarius Toney (toe), Skyy Moore and Justin Watson for return duties, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said James won't practice Wednesday due to an MCL injury, Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

James is likely in danger of missing the team's Week 3 game against the Bears, though he hasn't officially been ruled out just yet. The 28-year-old receiver played just three snaps on offense in last week's win over the Jaguars, but he holds an important role on special teams as the Chiefs' top kickoff and punt returner.

James hauled in one of two targets for six yards during Thursday's 21-20 loss to the Lions.

EDGE Analysis

As has become par for the course since Tyreek Hill was traded to the Dolphins prior to the 2022 campaign, quarterback Patrick Mahomes continues to spread the ball around the wide receiver room, targeting six different wideouts at least two times. James did play more snaps than both Kadariaus Toney and rookie Rashee Rice. Even so, James is unlikely to produce consistently enough to warrant fantasy consideration in most formats at this juncture.

James (knee) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

After being listed as a limited participant on Kansas City's initial Week 1 injury report released Monday, James' ability to take every rep a day later clears up any concern about his health heading into Thursday's season opener versus the Lions. Fellow wideout Kadarius Toney (knee) is also trending toward suiting up despite being limited Tuesday for the second day in a row, while star tight end Travis Kelce's status appears to be more in question after he hyperextended his knee during Tuesday's session. James is expected to fill a minor role in the Kansas City offense when the team is at full strength, but a potential Kelce absence in Week 1 could open up extra targets for several pass catchers, James included.

James was a limited participant during Monday's practice due to a knee injury.

EDGE Analysis

The severity of James' knee issue remains unclear, but it's a bit concerning because Kadarius Toney (knee) also was limited Monday. There doesn't appear to be too much concern about either wideout's availability for Thursday's season opener versus Detroit, but fantasy managers still are encouraged to check Kansas City's injury reports over the next couple of days.

James is a candidate to see more reps in Kansas City's offense with Kadarius Toney (knee) missing time, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

James signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Chiefs this offseason after he led the Giants in receptions in 2022 and now should see an uptick in work during camp with Toney on the sidelines. Last year was the best season of the veteran wideout's career, as he tallied 57 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns. Don't be surprised if James has an even better year ahead of him with a potential increase in opportunities and Patrick Mahomes at the helm.

The Chiefs signed James on Friday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old is coming off a career year with the Giants, catching 57 of 70 targets for 569 yards and four touchdowns as Daniel Jones' slot receiver. In Kansas City, James can compete to fill the slot job vacated by JuJu Smith-Schuster, but the Chiefs likely have bigger plans for both Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore in their second seasons with the team. James is at least serviceable depth.