Heading into another week of practice and preparation, it's impossible to tell what to expect from Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna in terms of availability.
One week ago, Danna was limited in practice, then able to practice as a full participant, before being downgraded to doubtful before the game. The issue is a quad injury suffered during the Chiefs' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, an issue that's robbed him of the ability to play ever since.
The Chiefs are heading to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars in primetime. The Monday Night Football showdown gives K.C. a shot at going over .500 for the first time this season, while the Jags lead the AFC South at 3-1 and could earn some real conference leverage if they can earn a home win.
Mike Danna remains an unknown variable heading into Week 5 practice sessions for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs were able to make life miserable for Lamar Jackson miserable for nearly four full quarters in a Week 4 win over the Baltimore Ravens, even without Danna, so perhaps they'd be okay without him for another week. However, no team would spurn more help in the trenches, and Danna is definitely an important contributor who raises the floor of the entire unit.
The Chiefs selected Danna in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Michigan, and he steadily climbed the depth chart to become a starter in his fourth season. The Chiefs signed Danna to a new three-year contract once he hit free agency, making him the first draft pick of general manager Brett Veach to earn a second deal with K.C.
A starter opposite George Karlaftis on the edge in the Chiefs' base defense, Danna played in 58 percent of snaps last season. While Ashton Gillotte has been a nice find as a rookie, Danna's absence is still asking more from Charles Omenihu in the mix.
Two weeks ago, Danna missed the entire week of practice, so fans can take the variability of last week's practice sessions as an overall positive knowing he was at least available and trying to make it work. The Chiefs even get an extra day of rest this week with the Monday night affair, so that could be the recovery period needed to get Danna back in action.