The Kansas City Chiefs head into Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers missing a key defensive player. Defensive Tackle Mike Danna, who has been an essential part of the Chiefs’ front seven, is ruled out for Sunday’s game due to a calf injury. The Chiefs and Chargers face off at SoFi Stadium, with kickoff set for 4:25 p.m. EDT.
Danna’s absence will impact Kansas City’s defensive depth, particularly their pass rush. Head Coach Andy Reid confirmed Danna’s injury occurred during practice, and the team decided it would be best to give him time to recover fully. Reid said, “After our walkthrough, that calf was bothering him, so we’ll probably end up holding him out of the game until we get that thing calmed down a little bit.”
Injury Impact On Chiefs’ Defense
Mike Danna’s injury occurred midweek, as he was added to the injury report on Thursday after missing practice. While he was able to participate in a limited capacity on Friday, the Chiefs officially ruled him out for Sunday’s game. Danna has played a crucial role in the defense this season, appearing in 65% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps. He has recorded 12 tackles, including one for a loss, along with two quarterback hits in the first three games of the season.
With Danna out, second-year Defensive End Felix Anudike-Uzomah is expected to step up in his absence. Anudike-Uzomah, the Chiefs’ 2023 first-round draft pick, will likely make his first career NFL start. This is a significant opportunity for the young defensive end to showcase his talent against a division rival. Kansas City will need him to step up to maintain their defensive pressure on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.
The Chiefs also have depth options, including recently acquired Outside Linebacker Cam Thomas. Reid expressed confidence in Thomas, saying, “I think he’s ready to roll. He’s a pretty sharp kid and plays hard. He’s been working in there for the last few weeks anyways.” Thomas could see his first action in a Chiefs uniform this weekend, offering additional help to the defensive line.
Chiefs’ Remaining Injuries
While Danna’s absence is notable, the Chiefs are otherwise in good shape heading into Week 4. Linebacker Nick Bolton, who was dealing with a back injury, has returned to full practice this week and is expected to play. Wide Receiver Rashee Rice (ankle) and Defensive Tackle Derrick Nnadi (triceps) are also listed on the injury report but practiced fully and should be ready for Sunday’s game.
The Chiefs’ secondary remains mostly healthy, with Cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder) and Safety Chamarri Conner (heel) also expected to suit up. Both players were limited in practice earlier in the week, but their availability will provide some much-needed stability in Kansas City’s defense. The health of these key players will be critical for the Chiefs as they face a Chargers team hungry for an upset victory.
Kansas City has adapted well to injuries throughout the season, using a mix of young players and veteran depth. Despite missing a few key contributors, the defense remains strong, with Chris Jones anchoring the line and the secondary playing effectively. The Chiefs will look to maintain their defensive intensity even without Danna, as they aim to keep pace in the competitive AFC.
Final Thoughts
Losing Mike Danna for this week’s game is a blow to the Chiefs’ defense, but the team has the depth to compensate. With Felix Anudike-Uzomah stepping in and Cam Thomas potentially seeing his first snaps, Kansas City’s defensive line remains in good hands. The Chiefs will need their young players to rise to the occasion and keep up the defensive pressure.
The Chiefs continue to deal with injuries and remain cautious about overloading their key players. With everyone else on the injury report set to play, Kansas City should still have the upper hand against the Chargers, even without Danna in the lineup. Sunday’s game is an important one for the Chiefs as they look to gain early control in the AFC West.
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