It's been four months since Charles Omenihu lost his momentum.
At the height of the Chiefs' season, in a tough, physical showdown against the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens, Omenihu found himself heading back to the team's locker room instead of the field due to a non-contact leg injury. One day later, it was official: Omenihu had suffered a torn ACL.
It was such an unfortunate moment for an increasingly important player. Omenihu was a vital signing by the Chiefs one year prior as a pass rusher coming in on a two-year deal that would keep him motivated toward a third payday. After serving a six-game suspension, Omenihu slid right into the rotation up front and began to punish opposing passers for focusing too much on Chris Jones.
The timing of Omenihu's injury hurt for two reasons: 1.) he was hurt shortly before being able to help his team play in the biggest game of the year, and 2.) the late nature of his injury in one season could keep him from being available next season.
While Omenihu could do nothing about that first reason, he's doing everything he can to nullify that second point.
Surgery knee btw. 3 months post OP. They said I wouldnt be the same. Keep doubting. Vengeance OTW. pic.twitter.com/lAGNFKU2m1
— Charles Omenihu (@charless_94) June 3, 2024
Earlier this spring, we listened in on a conversation with Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (by our pal Cole DeRuse at How Bout Those Chiefs?) and Johnson stated that Omenihu was ahead of schedule. Judging by the video post above, Omenihu certainly looks impressive.
Of course, if you've been following his docuseries, The Journey, then you'll know that he's been providing these types of inspiring updates for quite some time. Omenihu plays like a man possessed but as it turns out, it's his only mode for doing anything.
For those who thought the nature of the injury would count him out for the 2024 season or even most of it, it might be time to rethink your expectations.