Bashaud Breeland is free to return to Chiefs roster

The Chiefs will get Bashaud Breeland back before they face the Raiders in Week 5.

Two weeks ago, the Kansas City Chiefs defense got a boost along the front line with the return of defensive tackle Mike Pennel. Now the secondary is ready for some additional help with news that cornerback Bashaud Breeland can return from his four-game suspension.

The Chiefs are already 4-0 and just put away the New England Patriots in Week 4 on the strength of their defense. However, the unit can only get better with the addition of Breeland to a secondary that has suffered a few key losses early in the season. Breeland himself also looks ready to come back.

Breeland was suspended for four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. It kept the Chiefs thin at cornerback entering the season, and things only got worse from there after Charvarius Ward fractured his hand during the team’s opening win against the Houston Texans. From there, rookie corner L’Jarius Sneed, who looked phenomenal after being forced into a starting role, was lost to a broken collarbone suffered in Week 3.

Somehow the Chiefs have not only held things together but excelled in their pass defense, a testament to the talented players involved, the hard work of the coaches, and the vision of Brett Veach to acquire promising young talent. Rashad Fenton has been very good in his second season for the Chiefs and put together a defensive MVP performance on Monday against the Patriots. Ward has played well despite having his hand in a cast. Safety help from the likes of Tedric Thompson have also made a significant impact.

Still, Breeland was assumed to be a starter outside for the Chiefs this season and he should slide right into that role with Sneed still out. Then again, when everyone is back and healthy, Breeland might not find the snaps he was expecting. It will be interesting to see how the competition sorts out moving forward.

Breeland had 48 tackles, 2 interceptions, 8 passes deflected, and 2 fumble recoveries for the Chiefs last season in 16 games (15 starts).