KC Chiefs: Felix Anudike-Uzomah had minor thumb surgery

Kansas City Chiefs first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah underwent minor thumb surgery before the 2023 NFL Draft.

The offseason is commonly a time for NFL players to undergo various procedures and even operations to clean up lingering injuries or to prevent further concern, so it’s not a big shock to hear that Kansas City Chiefs first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah was among the players this spring who needed some work done.

According to NFL reporter James Palmer, Anudike-Uzomah underwent surgery on his thumb before the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Palmer also mentions that he’s expected to be just fine and could return in time for the team’s offseason training activities.

Anudike-Uzomah was the final pick of the first round at No. 31 overall and should slot in pretty quickly into meaningful  reps for a Chiefs team that lacks obvious veterans to take up space in front of him. His talents and the level of investment in him signal a fast track to defensive snaps, so it will be important for him to learn as best as he can in the months leading up to the regular season.

Last season for the Kansas State Wildcats, Anudike-Uzomah had 11 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 pass deflection. In 2021, he put up a career-high 11 sacks and 6 forced fumbles.

The Chiefs have George Karlaftis slotted to start after putting in 729 snaps during his own rookie season after being taken in the first round. If Anudike-Uzomah can press for that much playing time, the Chiefs will have an exciting young core of starters to move forward as their pass rushing anchors for years to come.