Rees-Zammit misses Chiefs training with injury

Louis Rees-Zammit joined the NFL's International Player Pathway Programme earlier this year

Louis Rees-Zammit has suffered a setback in his bid to play in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The former Wales wing is a doubt for the Chiefs' pre-season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday after missing training with a back injury.

The NFL champions then have only one more pre-season game, against the Chicago Bears, before deciding their 53-man roster for the new campaign.

Rees-Zammit received praise after playing several roles in Kansas City's opening warm-up game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The 23-year-old was seen on the sidelines at a training session on Wednesday, stretching his upper body with coaches but not wearing pads or a helmet.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub confirmed the back injury as he said his players needed to work on their kick returns, in light of new rules and mistakes in their opening game against the Jaguars - one of the key roles Rees-Zammit is expected to take on.

"We just need to get more reps out there and make sure it's clear what the rules are," said Toub.

"Obviously we made a mistake in the game. It ended up costing us, but it's a great learning experience for us.

"[It will be the] same guys that you saw. So I still want to see other guys. I want to see [Rees-Zammit], but he didn't practice today. He might not be available. We'll see, but I still want to see... there's a lot of guys I want to see. We've got time to do that."

Rees-Zammit performed as running back, kicker and kick-returner during Saturday's 26-13 loss at EverBank Stadium in Florida, in addition to being part of the punt coverage team.

He finished with two carries for one yard, one reception for three yards and one tackle on special teams.

The Chiefs are reigning NFL champions and will confirm their roster on 27 August, before their season-opener against the Baltimore Ravens on 6 September.