The K.C. Chiefs are likely to take a cautious approach when it comes to the usage of star safety Tyrann Mathieu against the Cleveland Browns in the season-opening game for both teams.
While the Chiefs are obviously a much, much better team with Mathieu in the line-up, and the Browns are certainly a strong opponent with hopes for contending in the AFC, the Chiefs are also likely to keep the long-term view in mind given the rigors of the regular season and the fact that the Pro Bowl safety just came off of the team’s COVID/reserve list as of Saturday.
ESPN reporter Chris Mortensen has more details on the fine line the Chiefs are going to have to walk when it comes to his usage.
If Matthieu plays, he'll be in limited packages, which impacts special teams.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 12, 2021
It also will be 90-degree hot & humid at Arrowhead Stadium so team is aware of injury risk and that Honey Badger is in contract year, facing 17-game regular season and they hope another Super Bowl run.
It’s quite possible that Mathieu wants to go all-in on a game like this one, give how much of a competitor he is. He’s also very important for a defense that utilizes Mathieu’s versatility as a chess piece within several sub packages.
However, Mortensen is right about the long-term goals here, and the Chiefs are taking things cautiously in other areas as well, including the placement of linebacker Willie Gay Jr on injured reserve before the season began. They’re also expected to ease defensive end Frank Clark in on limited reps int his game after he’s missed time with an illness earlier this week.
Mathieu was placed on the COVID/reserve list at the end of last week in a surprising maneuver that called his future availability into question. The Chiefs were originally quite positive in their public-facing comments about Mathieu’s ability to return in time to play, but as the days went by and Mathieu clearly had not been able to test negatively, it looked as if the Chiefs might have to go forward without Mathieu at all.
The Chiefs host the Browns on Sunday at 3:25 p.m. C.T.