KC Chiefs: Three offensive players whose jobs are at risk

RT Lucas Niang

Right tackle Lucas Niang was once the Chiefs foreseeable future at the position. Now, his snaps and job can easily be taken.

Sure, Niang is here primarily due to his injury. Niang suffered a torn patellar tendon in Week 17 of the 2021 season, keeping him out of the postseason and further. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach updated fans on Apr. 22, 2022 about Niang’s status.

"“With the bigger guys, you’re always worried about, especially with that injury — I’ll certainly defer to Rick [Burkholder], but just in general his timeline, Rick was excited about the degrees of flexion and flexibility,” Veach said. “It was a check-plus, so that means that it was where it needed to be. He’s right on schedule. And again, I don’t know if Rick had mentioned this, and at a certain point, he will. I think (Niang being ready) by the end of training camp is something that could happen, but he’s definitely on target to where he needs to be.”"

The update is great, especially since Niang’s initial timetable had him returning in the 2023 season. That injury has one of the hardest recoveries, and only hampers Niang’s development. While Niang was not bad in 2021, his average play stood out on an above-average offensive line.

Niang’s contract and upside will certainly keep him in Kansas City, but his 2022 role all depends on his injury recovery. He will be closely watched during training camp if he suits up at all. Fans should expect him to start the year on the physically unable to perform list to start the year.

Veach explicitly drafted offensive lineman Darian Kinnard to play at right tackle. The Chiefs re-signed Andrew Wylie after he started multiple games at right tackle in 2021. There are at least two players competing for the right tackle spot, and Niang has a severe injury. While Niang should remain with the team, his starting job is very much in jeopardy.