ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe had surgery in Memphis for a herniated disk in his back and will not participate when the team begins training camp on Saturday at Missouri Western State University.
Coach Andy Reid was hopeful but far from certain that Poe, who played in the Pro Bowl after each of the last two seasons, would return this season.
"I think he stands a reasonable chance [to return] the early part of the season," Reid said. "You just have to see and see how things recover."
Poe injured his back during an offseason practice in the spring. The Chiefs at the time called the injury a spasm, and Poe was held from practice for several days.
Trainer Rick Burkholder said Poe received a couple of injections in his back in June before he returned home to Memphis.
"He was home training," Burkholder said. "He was doing great and then he hurt his back again. We brought him back to Kansas City."
An MRI revealed the herniated disk, and Poe returned to Memphis for surgery.
"He had successful surgery, microdiskectomy," Burkholder said. "He had that disk removed. He's in Memphis right now. He's not doing a whole lot of rehab or treatment. He's resting, but he's doing great. He's going to be up here with us on Friday, and he'll have extensive treatment and rehab."
Reid indicated Jaye Howard, who started last season at end, would replace Poe. Veteran Mike DeVito would also get some work at nose tackle.
"I think both of them can do a nice job in there," Reid said.
Reid also said safety Eric Berry, who underwent treatment for lymphoma, was having tests and the Chiefs were hopeful he would be declared cancer-free.
"We should have an answer on Eric within a day here," Reid said. "So far everything's positive, but we don't want to give you anything until we have everything.
"He's kept himself in good shape, believe it or not. He's really done a good job there. But he has to go through all the formalities."