Chiefs defensive front takes a hit coming into Week 4 against the Chargers

The Kansas City Chiefs came into the 2024 regular season with concerns at defensive end. Reinforcements are coming, but it's going to take some patience, but that's going to be tougher going forward with the news that starter Mike Danna is officially designated as out for Week 4.

The Chiefs are heading to Los Angeles for the weekend to take on the Chargers at SoFi Stadium on Sunday afternoon in their first divisional game of the season. Unfortunately, Danna won't be among the players available as he deals with a calf injury that flared up on Thursday.

Mike Danna's absence will test a thin position for the Chiefs.

Danna had already appeared on the injury list earlier this season with a quad issue but that never kept him out of a practice or a game. On Thursday, however, Danna was once again on the injury report as media members noted he had his helmet off. On Friday, he missed again and was designated out for Week 4 against the Bolts ahead of time.

According to head coach Andy Reid, the move to keep Danna out sounds at least partially precautionary in nature. "After our walkthrough, that calf was bothering him, and so we'll probably end up holding him out of the game until we get that thing calmed down a little bit."

The Chiefs are already waiting on Charles Omenihu to return from a torn ACL suffered last season that's kept him out for the first quarter of this season. He's not expected to return until midseason, which means there are likely several games to go before the Chiefs are at full strength.

As for Danna's absence, Felix Anudike-Uzomah is a natural prospect to label as a starter for Week 4. The next man up mantra also gives more reps to Malik Herring. It's also possible that Chiefs Kingdom sees their first glimpse of Cam Thomas after having traded for the former Arizona Cardinals pass rusher before the season began.

Danna is a former fifth-round pick who is in the first of a new three-year contract given to Danna this offseason after hitting free agency for the first time. He's in his fifth year with the Chiefs and has started all three games for them so far opposite George Karlaftis this season. Danna had 6.5 sacks last season for the Chiefs.

The Chargers and Chiefs are expected to kick off at 3:25 p.m. Arrowhead Time.