Chiefs players who need strong performances vs. Washington Commanders

Malik Herring, Defensive End

Malik Herring is not on this list for the exact same reasons as the other players on this list. Herring’s stock, in my opinion, has quietly risen over the course of training camp and preseason. He’s on this list because his chances of making the team have increased in recent weeks rather than decreased, unlike the other players in this article.

After going undrafted in 2021, he signed with the Chiefs and missed the entire 2021 season because of a torn ACL suffered at the Senior Bowl. He’s flashed at camp in this preseason, including this lethal swim move he used on Darian Kinnard a couple of days ago:

In addition to his strong performance in training camp, Herring played very well against the Bears in the preseason opener. He was serviceable rushing the passer but shined defending the run. According to PFF ($), across 20 snaps in a run defense role, he recorded two defensive stops (tackles that constitute a “failure” for the offense).

Due to his size (280 pounds), he would primarily play both a run defending and depth role but if his pass rushing ability continues to improve his pass rushing, then it would be very difficult to cut him at the end of the month. If he has another strong performance against the Washington Commanders while Kaindoh continues to struggle, it could mean that Malik Herring is now the favorite to be the potential fifth defensive end on the Chiefs’ roster, if they decide to carry a fifth one.