Kansas City, Mo. ? Wide receiver Johnnie Morton practiced Monday for the first time since July and could be ready for the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener at Denver.

It would be a huge lift for the Chiefs’ injury-depleted receiver corps if Morton could overcome his sore Achilles’ tendon and contribute.

Wide receiver Marc Boerigter, who had an impressive camp, went on injured reserve last week after knee surgery. Rookie tight end Kris Wilson is expected to be out at least half the season because of a broken leg, and Eddie Kennison, the other starting wide receiver, missed two preseason games because of a wrist injury.

“It’s not going to get any better unless I take a long layoff,” said Morton, who had 50 catches last year for 740 yards and four touchdowns. “I got to where I could play well and deal with the pain.”

Vermeil said Morton made “one spectacular catch” in practice.

“That shows he hasn’t lost his hand-eye coordination. He can catch the ball,” Vermeil said. “I think we’ve got to gradually break him in. He did some good things.”

The Chiefs had one disappointment Monday when rookie offensive lineman Ryan Lilja, whom they cut Sunday, was signed by Indianapolis.

Kansas City had hoped to have Lilja on the practice squad.

Chiefs wide receiver Johnnie Morton tries to look in a pass during training camp in this file photo from last summer. Morton think he's healthy enough to play in Kansas City's season opener Sunday and practiced with the team Monday.