Did Eric Fisher Beg Out of Lineup to Avoid J.J. Watt? Chiefs Say No

Eric Fisher, the Chiefs #1 overall pick in 2013, missed Sunday’s game at Houston with an ankle injury. He had practiced at the end of the week, made the trip, but was held out of starting. According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, on Sunday, it was Fisher expressing concern about starting the game, where he would have gone up against J.J. Watt. The Chiefs started recently signed Jah Reid in his place.

Former Chiefs defensive lineman Shaun Smith also added some fuel when he basically called out Eric Fisher.

The Chiefs, though, have taken to the defense of their first overall pick, who was already moved back to right tackle from left tackle, where he struggled last year, before the season began. According to Ed Werder, multiple sources deny that Fisher ever asked out of the matchup because of injury.

Head Coach Andy Reid claims that it was his decision, and not a request by Fisher.

“I know things are out there. That’s ridiculous,” Reid said. “I was the one that watched him practice. I thought if I put him out there, I’d put him in a terrible situation.”

That terrible situation likely involved a heavy dose of J.J. Watt. Kansas City has Denver at home next, and another good defensive front, on a short week of rest on Thursday.