Eric Berry Expected to Play in Chiefs vs. Cardinals Preseason Game

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro safety Eric Berry is readying for a return to live NFL action approximately nine months removed from being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

According to head coach Andy Reid, Berry is slated to play in Kansas City's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, per ESPN's Adam Teicher. It's not known how much he will play, but his presence on the gridiron will provide an emotional scene—even with the Chiefs playing on the road.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton weighed in on Berry's status from what he's observed from training camp, per Arrowhead Pride's Joel Thorman:

"

I think he's getting back, like he says, he's seeing things better, it's slowing down for him. It's strictly football, this has nothing to do with what he overcame. I think he's happy with that, and you could obviously talk to him about it. We're going to follow his rhythm, whatever he feels like.

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Berry was cleared to practice in Kansas City's training camp on July 28 and underwent his final cancer treatments in June after his initial diagnosis came in December 2014.

Despite Berry playing only six games last season, the Chiefs managed to rank second in scoring defense and seventh in total yards allowed. If he can emulate his elite level of play from 2013 and first-round cornerback Marcus Peters can step up as a rookie, Kansas City's secondary may be even better this year.

The primary concern is of course Berry's health, but all indications are he's on track in his swift recovery.