NFL’s J.J. Watt says he’ll continue to play through torn ACL

AUSTIN, Texas — It was the most unexpected of things for J.A. Stamps, the rookie running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, as he learned that his torn ACL would keep him out for the rest of the season.

After a practice Wednesday, Stamps returned to the practice field, and it was obvious to the Chiefs’ trainers that he had no time to be worried.

The team’s first-round pick in 2016 has been dealing with a torn ACL for two weeks, and coach Andy Reid said Stamps was not ready to return to the game.

Stamps, who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his four NFL seasons, had surgery to repair the tear during training camp.

He has not played since.

The Chiefs made it clear they did not plan to call up any players for the final six weeks of the regular season because they were worried about Stamps’ recovery.

But the NFL has had issues with players returning to games due to injuries in the past.

In 2014, Adrian Peterson was cleared to return but was suspended six games because he suffered a concussion.

In that instance, he was also not healthy enough to play in the regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers.

After Peterson left, Stills started seven games in 2015.

He rushed for 2,069 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding more than 100 yards on the ground.

Stills was not listed as questionable on the Chiefs depth chart, but he had been ruled out because of his ankle injury.

Stills has not missed a game in his three NFL seasons.

The injuries to Stamps and rookie Jaylon Smith have also been a concern for the Chiefs.

Smith, the Chiefs fifth-round draft pick, is dealing with an injury to his ankle.

The team is also dealing with injuries to wide receiver Mike Davis and defensive tackle Eric Winston.