Chiefs will get nice defensive boost heading into Week 5 against New Orleans Saints

Alvin Kamara is having himself a nice bounce-back season.

After making the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons in the NFL, Kamara's production has waned a bit in the last two seasons due to some injury concerns, quarterback issues, coaching changes and more. After leading the NFL with 21 total touchdowns in 2020, Kamara has scored only 10 times total in the last two years.

This year, however, Kamara already has more than half that total coming into Week 5 as the New Orleans Saints visit the Kansas City Chiefs for a showdown on Monday Night Football. And his resurgence is a big part of NoLa's ability to lead the NFL in points scored at the season's quarter mark.

The Chiefs got some good news up front, which is important before facing Alvin Kamara and the Saints.

Kamara's newfound productivity and the Saints' solid ground emphasis are what make the Chiefs injury report so rewarding to read at this juncture. That's because defensive end Mike Danna is back in action and expected to play after missing a game with a calf injury against the L.A. Chargers.

Danna is one of the Chiefs' best run defenders up front, a veteran player who can set the edge while also sliding inside to provide some versatility for Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. His presence is also important to the team's overall depth, considering the cupboards aren't exactly loaded behind Danna while K.C. waits on Charles Omenihu to rejoin the team following his recovery from an ACL tear.

The Chiefs rewarded Danna with a new three-year contract extension this offseason to the surprise of many—not because he didn't deserve but because it seemed like Danna had likely priced himself out of Kansas City. However, when he was still available following the first wave of free agency, general manager Brett Veach seized the opportunity in a slower-than-expected market and brought him back.

Danna has graded as a stronger run defender than pass rusher in four of his first five seasons in the NFL per Pro Football Focus. So far this season, Danna has 12 tackles, including 1 for a loss, and a half-sack in the first three games of the year. Along with a calf injury, Danna has also battled an early season quad concern.

Danna was limited in practice for the first two sessions of Week 5, but he practiced in full on Saturday so he's cleared to play without limitations against the Saints. His presence will be needed to slow a team ranked first in rushing attempts and second in rushing touchdowns in the NFL.