Kevin

Sampson

He’s won the competition in training camp. Expect the Chiefs to run more to the left behind future Hall-of-Famer Willie Roaf.

Sampson, 6-4 and inexperienced, should face competition from Kyle Turley and Jordan Black as Kansas City attempts to replace retired RT John Welbourn.

Croyle is the third QB. Either Will Svitek or Jordan Black will start at right tackle, which could mean Tony Gonzalez stays on the line and blocks for more than usual in the opener.

“As it stands right now, he will go back, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t be practicing next week,” agent Joe Linta said of Sampson, a second-year offensive lineman.

“He’s better, he’s coherent,” coach Dick Vermeil said. “They’re not allowing him to speak to anybody. We have no other information, but that seems to be good news.”

The first-time starter called 911 not feeling well, then collapsed when medical help arrived. The Chiefs, on a bye week, were only made aware by a reporter’s phone call, so the team has no further information available.

“Whether he’ll be ready to play by Sunday, I don’t know,” Vermeil said, “but he’ll be able to start practicing.”

“I just got sick, and my body was worn down and dehydrated,” Sampson said. “I had taken a couple of (IV) bags before the Denver game and was dehydrated. I guess it was just a snowball effect. It was an unfortunate situation, but most importantly, I’m glad to be back.”