Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in December last year, returned after eight months of treatment and is now ready to suit up for the team's preseason opener against  the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, as per the NFL's official website.

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Berry's story is being celebrated by the entire NFL community as a triumph of the human spirit for someone who had been dealt with a life-threatening condition, wiped out a half of his playing season, and to come back stronger and completely healed from it is indeed "wonderfully notable."

Earlier this month, team doctors had cleared the 26-year-old to get on the field and participate in training and practices for the first time since his cancer diagnosis. Of course, the results were not as smooth and easy as everyone hoped for as it would take some time before he can get back to his normal playing self.

Head coach Andy Reid could have decided to wait until the middle of the preseason, or even the start of the regular season, to put Berry on the field for a competitive game. But the former Tennessee standout told the coach that he can already handle the pressure of a game, which the team considered a positive sign that he could play well into the new season.

Reid asserted, though, that Berry will not be forced to play or be given extended time on the field even if it would be necessary as a precaution.

"We're thinking he's going to play," Reid said in an interview, as reported by ESPN. "We'll just see how things go from here. But he's been going here, so I think he's ready to get out here and do his thing."

Fox Sports also reported that the Chiefs had lifted several more practice restrictions from the three-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-team All-Pro player, and because of that he had performed in practice a few of his "trademark big plays."

Reid was reportedly enthusiastic about seeing no. 29 back on the field again this Saturday.

"Listen, I'm as happy as I can be for him," the coach said. "He's like a little kid out here playing."

Reid also said that he was not expecting anything big on Berry when it comes to his production. Just seeing his best safety back and healthy was said to be enough. His trademark interceptions, picks, and touchdowns are all just icing on the cake. 

TagsNFL, NFL 2015, NFL news, NFL News 2015, NFL rumors, NFL Rumors 2015, Kansas City /chiefs, Eric Berry