Lucas Niang’s injury makes KC Chiefs right tackle an underrated need

The Kansas City Chiefs offseason has been eventful, to say the least, and right tackle is an underrated area of concern after last season’s injury to Lucas Niang.

The Chiefs have made major trades, impactful free agent signings, and looks to capitalize on extra draft picks. Outside of last year’s offensive line overhaul, this has been the most memorable offseason with general manager Brett Veach at the helm.

So many moves have happened that fans have forgotten about offensive tackle Lucas Niang who suffered a serious injury in Week 17 of the 2021 season.

A 2020 third-round selection. Niang opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He did not see his first snaps for Kansas City until the 2021 season. After a full offseason and injury to veteran Mike Remmers, Niang was the Chiefs’ Week 1 starter against the Cleveland Browns.

Niang went on to start the first five games of 2021, and he looked comfortable. Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck praised the rookie on his early-season performance.

“Lucas (Niang) has come a long way in a short amount of time,” Heck said. “He works hard. He’s another guy that when we talk about things we want to see start showing up, he’s working on it. I think he’s a very talented player.”

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But, a minor hamstring injury saw Remmers retake the starting job until Week 8. Niang started in Week 8 and Week 9, but quickly returned to the injury report with a rib injury. His second injury kept him inactive until Week 14, and he started once again Week 15. That Week 15 game was the last game that Niang logged action in 100% of Kansas City’s offensive snaps, his seventh such game of 2021.

However, Week 17 saw Niang’s season come to an unfortunate end.

Niang’s rookie season was cut short. after an impromptu start at left tackle in Week 17. Starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. was ruled out shortly before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Niang was the next man up, seeing his first NFL start at the left tackle position. However, he was carted off the field after only six snaps.

Ultimately, the injury was severe. Niang suffered a torn patellar tendon and ended the season on Kansas City’s injured reserve. Niang missed his first possible postseason run, as the Chiefs reached the AFC Championship game.

Niang’s first season was far from perfect, but he was the team’s expected starter in 2022. Remmers and Wylie both hit free agency after the season, and Niang’s rookie contract fits well into the Chiefs’ salary cap.

KC Chiefs need to fortify the offensive tackle position

Since the 2022 offseason began, Kansas City has made moves to address the right tackle. Wylie will return on a one-year deal worth $2.5 million, according to Spotrac. Wylie started seven games for the Chiefs in 2021, some in Niang’s place. While Wylie is a solid spot starter, a healthy Niang would start over Wylie.

The Chiefs also signed free agent tackle Geron Christian, who started eight times for the Washington Commanders in 2021. The 25-year-old swing tackle is a good pass blocker, but would not be a great starting option. At best, he would provide the Chiefs with a versatile backup.

The Chiefs signing Christian should concern fans. This move could signal the team’s outlook on Niang’s injury. KCSN’s Jeff Allen expressed how difficult Niang’s recovery process can be.

“I have seen guys with that (injury) and it is really tough to come back from within a year,” Allen said during a Twitch broadcast. “I don’t expect him playing, at least not early in the year.”

With nothing explicitly said about Niang’s recovery, his timeline ranges from returning in camp to sitting all of 2022 out. Outside of his PCL injury, Niang needs time to heal from several injuries that limited him in 2021.

He was a solid starter, but availability is the best ability for an offensive lineman. Perhaps starting the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list would benefit Niang and the KC Chiefs. Niang would not be available until at least Week 7, but Kansas City could carry an extra offensive lineman until Niang returns.

If Niang’s return is not probable, Christian and Wylie should compete for starting right tackle. Both are good options with advantages and disadvantages. But, bother players are not in Kansas City’s long-term plans. Niang was drafted to be a starting right tackle for years, but his health clouds his long-term outlook. The Chiefs could surprisingly take an offensive lineman early in the 2022 draft, especially with their newly-acquired picks.

There are several glaring needs for the Chiefs entering the 2022 season, but who starts at right tackle remains a short- and long-term question.

The KC Chiefs should not rely on Niang in either plan. His injury status dates back to his days at TCU. A hip injury limited him then, and various injuries plagued him his first year. While his on-field performance will keep him on the roster, Kansas City should make every effort to find reliable backups or another option, both for this season and beyond.