Dec 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) pressures Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
LINEBACKERS
Inside: Derrick Johnson, James-Michael Johnson, Josh Mauga, Joe Mays
Outside: Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, Dee Ford, Frank Zombo, Josh Martin
Nico Johnson being cut is the big news here. The fourth round pick from a year ago struggled to adjust to the pass-heavy systems of the NFL and had trouble staying on the field for special teams. Add in his injury history and it was clear Josh Mauga and James-Michael Johnson earned a spot ahead of him. It wouldn’t be too surprising if Johnson ended up on the practice squad.
Joe Mays has yet to be placed on the injured-reserve list but it would seem the Chiefs are waiting to designate him as their return player until they are absolutely forced to do so. One would think that is where he goes eventually as his injury will keeping him out for a significant amount of time.
While Mays is gone expect Mauga to be his replacement next to Derrick Johnson when the Chiefs go into base sets. Mauga was very good against the run in when he was on the field this preseason. He probably would have made the team even if Mays was not injured.