Sad news: A key Chiefs player is expected to retire due to life-threatening injuries.
There is not much time left for the Kansas City Chiefs to prepare for their Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills. Practice time is essential because the game on Sunday will arrive before they know it.
Unfortunately, Kansas City will be missing a rotational player for the second straight day. Derrick Nnadi, the nose tackle, is not anticipated to practice on Thursday afternoon, according to the team.
Nnadi’s elbow injury, which occurred early in the Wild Card Weekend victory over the Miami Dolphins, was initially identified as the cause of his injury. Since then, it has been changed to a tricep injury to start the week. Nnadi was one of two players who did not show up on the team’s injury report for Wednesday’s practice; linebacker Cam Jones, on the other hand, was placed on the injured reserve list.
Possible substitutes in the event that Nnadi is unable to play on Sunday
In the event that Nnadi is unable to make it to the Divisional Round, Kansas City has a plethora of options at its disposal, as was stated on Arrowhead Report on Wednesday. He played 498 snaps in the regular season, so his absence would be notable, but his primary role is that of an early-down run-stuffer with a limited pass-rush repertoire. On the inside of the defensive line, Chris Jones usually plays in a three-technique role, giving him some flexibility in other areas. The Chiefs have a few options if they value a player who can play more like a nose tackle and draw double teams.
Neil Farrell is a possible replacement on the active roster. The 325-pound player was inactive for the Wild Card round despite playing 13 defensive snaps in Week 18. The seasoned team of Matt Dickerson and Isaiah Buggs has a wealth of combined experience on the practice squad. During the regular season, Dickerson participated in 12 games with the Chiefs, and Buggs recently had a prosperous time playing for the Detroit Lions. Postseason practice squad activations are unrestricted for teams.
Tershawn Wharton, whichever defensive ends get kicked inside occasionally, and any of the aforementioned three could combine to make up some of what’s lost with Nnadi. Nnadi will probably need to make some kind of practice return on Friday in order to have an opportunity to play on Sunday. As the week progresses, his situation should be kept an eye on.
August 3, 2023; Canton, Ohio, USA; New York Jets safety Trey Dean (38), during the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium against the Cleveland Browns. Required Credit: USA TODAY Sports/Kirby Lee
