Recent injuries up front could force the Chiefs to sign a defensive lineman.
When everyone is available and healthy, the Kansas City Chiefs boast one of the deepest defensive lines in the National Football League. These days, they’re potentially at the point of needing to sign a defensive lineman else just to play their home opener.
Two weeks before the regular season is set to begin at Arrowhead Stadium—on September 10 against the visiting Houston Texans—the Chiefs find the list of readily available defensive linemen getting shorter and shorter as training camp goes on. From injuries to suspension, the ranks are thinning up front. That’s not a good trend heading into the regular season.
On Thursday, Chris Jones returned from missing practice with a groin injury—undoubtedly good news to see an impact starter return. That said, Derrick Nnadi has missed several practices with an ankle injury, and rookie Michael Danna is also sitting with a calf injury. Braxton Hoyett only recently returned to practice after missing time, too.
In addition, Mike Pennel will automatically miss the first two games of the regular season due to a suspension, which takes out of the team’s most effective run-stoppers. The veteran was re-signed in the offseason to a one-year deal but without Pennel and perhaps Nnadi up front, the team’s run defense will suffer greatly.
It’s possible the Chiefs end up entering the regular season with the likes of Chris Jones, Khalen Saunders, Braxton Hoyett and Devaroe Lawrence up front while they wait on reinforcements to get healthy and/or eligible. Tershawn Wharton is also a name to watch here. However, if Jones’ groin injury re-surfaces, this becomes a dire situation to be sure.
With two weeks left, it’s possible the Chiefs know that Nnadi is good to go when the time comes and that they trust untested players. If so, the team might roll on as normal without making a move. However, if the injuries linger or if any further issues arise, we’re going to find out quickly who is on general manager Brett Veach’s free agent shortlist.