The Sports Xchange

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Dontari Poe will miss all of camp and at least part of the season after undergoing surgery on a herniated disc in his back, the team said Tuesday.

Chiefs trainer Rick Burkholder said Poe underwent surgery July 15 to have the disc removed. He originally injured his back at the team’s minicamp in June and received two epidural injections for it, the last on June 19, Burkholder said. Poe was doing “great,” Burkholder said, until hurting his back again at home.

“He’s not doing a whole lot of rehab or treatment,” Burkholder said. “He’s resting, but he’s doing great. He’s going to be up here with us (when training camp opens) on Friday.”

The Chiefs said Poe will not be considered for any activity until the team leaves camp.

Kansas City head coach Andy Reid expressed optimism Poe might be back in time to make an impact during the regular season.

“I think he stands a reasonable chance in the early part of the season,” Reid said. “Whether that’s the beginning or somewhere early in the season for his return, you just have to see how things recover.”

Reid said Jaye Howard will step in for Poe. Veteran Mike DeVito also will be in camp and could compete for time.