The Kansas City Chiefs are getting back cornerback L’Jarius Sneed with plenty of time to spare for Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with word that the talented rookie has cleared the league’s concussion protocol.
Sneed originally left the team’s Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills with a head injury and failed to return thereafter and has been in the NFL’s concussion protocol ever since.
Without Sneed in the lineup, the Chiefs still have the depth to be dangerous in the secondary given the excellent level of play of all of their corners this season. The presence of Charvarius Ward and Rashad Fenton has allowed the team to weather the absences of Bashaud Breeland for a four-game stretch (due to a suspension) and Sneed (who also missed time this season due to a collarbone fracture).
Still, there’s little doubt that the Chiefs are a much better defensive unit when Sneed is on the field. Despite being chosen with the very last pick in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and the fact that the league completely cancelled all preseason games, Sneed earned starter’s reps in Week 1 for the defending champs. From there, he showcased incredible ball skills, fluid hips, and a game-changing physical presence.
The Chiefs are getting L’Jarius Sneed back at the right time.
Even after his return from several weeks injury, Sneed picked right back up and became a blitzing weapon for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Since then, he’s been a versatile defender for the Chiefs who has played well outside and inside alongside showcasing his new pass rushing chops.
In only 9 games during the regular season, Sneed had 41 tackles, 7 passes deflected, 3 interceptions, and 2 sacks for the Chiefs.