Chiefs' Trey Smith returns to practice field on Wednesday

Smith hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 12

The Chiefs practiced Wednesday without offensive tackles Jawaan Taylor (triceps) and Wanya Morris (knee).

But the team’s banged up offensive line had some good news with right guard Trey Smith (ankle), who will work in some capacity.

“We’ll see how he does today,” coach Andy Reid said. “He’ll be in there today; he’s feeling better.”

Smith will need to get through a full week of practice before the Chiefs make a decision on his availability for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

His presence in the lineup would certainly provide a boost as the Chiefs look to get back in the right direction after losing four of the last five games.

Smith suffered the ankle injury in Week 12 and missed the past two games. Veteran Mike Caliendo has started in Smith’s place.

Cornerback Trent McDuffie is another injured player the Chiefs will monitor closely while preparing for the Chargers.

McDuffie suffered a hyperextended knee in Week 14’s loss to the Houston Texans, but he is expected to practice in some capacity on Wednesday.

“He’s been sore, so we’ll see how it works through the week,” Reid said.

Meanwhile, Taylor’s status remains very much in the air.

The starting right guard suffered his injury in Week 13 and didn’t play in Week 14.

“Jawaan’s making progress and we’ll just see how he does this week as he works through this thing,” Reid said.

The Chiefs would need to shuffle the offensive line again if Taylor can’t play against the Chargers.

Taylor’s absence in Week 14 resulted in Jaylon Moore drawing the start at right tackle, while Morris started at left tackle before going down on the Chiefs’ first play of the game.

Rookie Esa Pole filled in at left tackle after Morris left the game.