Not that this should come as a surprise, but Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Josh Mauga told the media today he was told he will start in place of Joe Mays at inside linebacker on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Herbie Teope of Chiefs Spin has the tweet of significance.
Mays landed on the injured-reserve with a designation to return Tuesday after undergoing surgery on his wrist to repair some torn ligaments he suffered in the Chiefs loss to the Carolina Panthers in the preseason. Mays was signed in the offseason to fill the role of Akeem Jordan who was the run-stopping, physical presence in the Chiefs base 3-4 defense. It is his position that typically goes off the field when Kansas City sends out a nickel package.
Mauga was very strong in the run game when he was on the field, and looked very solid against the Packers in the final tuneup before the regular season. He has good speed and seems to find his way to the ball instinctively. Whether that holds up or not in the regular season will be something to watch.
It is assumed the backup to Mauga will be James-Michael Johnson, who is known more for is abilities in pass coverage than against the run. Although it should be noted Frank Zombo saw a lot of time at inside linebacker during the preseason and may be the run-stopping version of Mauga’s backup. Yet one more thing to keep an eye on for Sunday.