2 min read • February 07, 2024
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Kansas City is dealing with two key absences on the defensive line heading into their second Super Bowl appearance in as many seasons.
Defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi remains on IR with a triceps injury that would be tough for him to try to play through given that he needs to shed blocks to be effective.
The Chiefs also lost former 49ers defensive end Charles Omenihu during the AFC Championship to a torn ACL in his right knee.
With Omenihu out, Kansas City will turn to Mike Danna to play a majority of the snaps at right defensive end. Danna finished the regular season with 6.5 sacks, 21 pressures and 9 hurries.
Omenihu had 7.5 sacks, 12 pressures and 2 hurries in 11 games.
Nnadi had 1 sack, 29 combined tackles and a tackle for a loss in 17 games during the regular season. Tershawn Wharton, who had 2 sacks, 21 combined tackles and 2 tackles for a loss during the regular season, is likely to fill in for Nnadi during the Super Bowl.
On the positive side for the Chiefs, the extra week of rest will likely allow for the return of outside linebacker Willie Gay.
Gay missed the AFC Championship after aggravating a neck strain during the Divisional Round win over the Bills.
The only other absence of note on defense is free safety Bryan Cook, who suffered a fractured left ankle in early December. Mike Edwards has filled in since then and snagged an interception in the opening round against the Dolphins.
The Chiefs carry a defensive health score of 87.9, including a pass defense score of 88.5 and a run defense score of 87.2.
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