Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe has back surgery

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe recently underwent back surgery and will miss training camp.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe recently underwent back surgery and will miss training camp.​

The Chiefs announced Tuesday that Poe, a Pro Bowler, had successful surgery on July 15 on a herniated disk in his back. 

Poe suffered from back spasms during the Chiefs' organized team activities in June, for which he underwent two epidural injections. He reinjured himself during July's break. The Chiefs expect Poe to miss camp at the very least, which runs up until their second preseason game Aug. 21 against Seattle. 

“I think he stands a reasonable chance to (return) the early part of the season there, whether it’s the beginning or somewhere early in the season,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said, according to the Star. “You just have to see how he recovers there, but it’s a positive thing, and it’s something he needed to get done, as opposed to having that (injury) antagonize him through the season.”

Poe will be treated and undergo rehabilitation during Chiefs training camp and remain on-site with the team.

Reid indicated defensive lineman Jaye Howard would serve as Poe's replacement at nose tackle in the interim.

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