The Kansas City Chiefs could be forced to rest a handful of players in their exhibition opener Saturday night in Arizona because of nagging injuries.

Linebacker is where they are most banged up. Former first-round pick Dee Ford is still out due a concussion, Josh Mauga left practice Wednesday because of a bum heel, D.J. Alexander is hobbled by an ankle injury and James-Michael Johnson by a calf injury.

That means rookies Ramik Wilson and Justin March could get considerable time.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid plans to play starters in the first quarter, the second unit in the second quarter and into the third, with the rest of the reserves finishing the game.

Jeremy Maclin says he hopes to play after missing two practices this week because of a neck strain.