KC Chiefs news: Khalen Saunders returns from injury

The Kansas City Chiefs will have Khalen Saunders back on the roster for Week 7 against the Broncos.

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line is going through several changes in the week leading up to their first game against the Denver Broncos in 2020. Fortunately, defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is back from injured reserve in time to help in the wake of other absences.

The Chiefs first lost Saunders to injury in the first game of the season with a dislocated elbow. It was a tough blow for a player believed to have a very high ceiling as a Western Illinois prospect with incredible size, strength, and athleticism—a player once referred to as the “Aaron Donald of the FCS.” In his second season, Saunders had a real chance to blossom into a disruptive force inside for the Chiefs next to Chris Jones after a full year in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.

Saunders went down after only 8 snaps played in Week 1, so it will be interesting to see how many he’s given in his first game back. However, the Chiefs could use some further help along the line given the injuries to defensive ends Mike Danna (who is on injured reserve), Alex Okafor (who was just placed on injured reserve), and Taco Charlton (who is designated out for Sunday’s game). Saunders can help man the interior while Jones or others slide outside.

Saunders was the Chiefs third round pick in the 2019 draft after wideout Mecole Hardman and safety Juan Thornhill. Saunders played in 12 games last season for the Chiefs and had 22 tackles, 3 quarterback pressures, and 1 sack while playing 27 percent of the team’s defensive snaps.