Just one quarter into his NFL career, Mansoor Delane has taken Kansas City Chiefs fans on an emotional roller coaster. Shortly after coming up with the first turnover of the Chiefs' young season, the cornerback was sent to the locker room to look at an injury.
The Chiefs are hosting the Denver Broncos in a pivotal Week 1 matchup that's likely going to matter quite a bit in the battle for AFC West supremacy. Which is why the news that Delane is dealing with a shoulder concern is so concerning. His status is questionable for a return on the night.
Delane was previously out for much of the spring and summer with a shoulder injury that kept him in a yellow non-contact jersey at training camp before he was finally cleared for play and was able to suit up in Week 1 without a problem.
In case you missed the pivotal play, the Chiefs pass rush got to Bo Nix on the opening drive of the game and forced a pass into the hands of Delane. Felix Anudike-Uzomah came up big in particular, and Delane was there waiting to grab his first professional interception.
MANSOOR DELANE INT IN HIS FIRST NFL DRIVE
— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2026
DENvsKC on ESPN
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The Chiefs drafted Delane at No. 6 overall in the first round of the 2026 draft after trading up three spots with the Cleveland Browns to secure the rights to the best cornerback prospect available. Delane was one of two first-round picks—the other being Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods—as part of an overhaul to bring youth and dynamism to a defense that underwent seismic changes, especially in the secondary.
Delane was first-team All-SEC and an unanimous All-American last year in his lone season at LSU. Before the '25 campaign, Delane played three seasons at Virginia Tech. Delane's selection at No. 6 was the earliest draft pick for general manager Brett Veach since taking over the role from John Dorsey in 2017.
Without Delane on the field, the Chiefs will turn to increased reps from Kristian Fulton alongside Nohl Williams, who's had an outstanding start to the game, and L'Jarius Sneed. Chris Roland-Wallace and rookie Jadon Canady are also available.
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