Final Kansas City Chiefs 53-Man Roster Prediction
By Ben Nielsen
Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs inside linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) on the sidelines against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 41-39. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
LINEBACKERS
Inside: Derrick Johnson, Josh Mauga, James-Michael Johnson, Nico Johnson
Outside: Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Dee Ford, Josh Martin Frank Zombo
Injured Reserve: Joe Mays
One would assume Mays receives the designation to return tag by the Chiefs on Saturday but it is hard to know without knowing all of the details with his wrist. It wouldn’t be stunning if he were out for the season.
Akeem Jordan is a possibility to end up back with the Chiefs if the team is not comfortable with either Mauga, JMJ, or Nico starting next to Derrick. There’s also the chance Zombo ends up being the starter at inside linebacker.
The outside is pretty simple with Hali, Houston, and Ford being the primary pass rushers. Ford received a lot snaps this preseason which should help with his development. One would assume his early snaps in the regular season are going to come in passing down situations where he will be attacking the quarterback.