Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Joe Mays will have surgery on his wrist and will be out indefinitely according to the Kansas City Star’s Terez A. Paylor.
The injury occurred in the first half of Sunday’s loss to the Carolina Panthers. Mays signed a two-year, $6 million deal to fill the roll of the physical run defender next to Derrick Johnson but those plans will be on hold while he recovers from surgery.
With Mays out, the door opens for more playing time for young players Nico Johnson and James-Michael Johnson. Nico is a fourth round pick from 2013 who is struggling to work his way up the depth chart and may have been cut from the 53-man roster if Mays hadn’t been injured. JMJ has been recognized for his play in pass coverage and was thought to be the primary backup to Mays.
The Chiefs also have Josh Mauga who has had his own injury issues. One would think his opportunity to make the team has increased significantly if he can stay on the field.
There is also always the chance John Dorsey looks to the waiver wires or free agency to recover the depth lost with Mays’ injury.