KC Chiefs DL Charles Omenihu Optimistic About Outlook for Super Bowl LVIII
Update: A Monday report reveals that despite Omenihu's positive outlook, the veteran pass rusher will miss the Super Bowl and potentially beyond:
The original story, published on Sunday evening, begins below.
The Kansas City Chiefs took down the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday despite being a bit shorthanded. Before the game even started, injuries had already led to left guard Joe Thuney and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. being inactive. During the contest, defensive lineman Charles Omenihu had to exit early.
Per an in-game announcement from the team, Omenihu suffered a knee injury. After initially being ruled questionable to return, the veteran pass rusher was downgraded to out to begin the second half. Following the conclusion of Sunday's game, head coach Andy Reid didn't have an immediate update on Omenihu's status.
While the next few days figure to shed some light on the specifics of Omenihu's knee injury, he's wasting no time shifting his focus to Super Bowl LVIII. Speaking to Aaron Ladd of KSHB-TV on the field postgame, he offered up a positive outlook on his status for the biggest game of his career.
"This is what I came here for, bro," Omenihu said. "This is exactly what I came here for. Make big plays, help the team win, you know what I'm saying? I'm going to be good. I know I'm not done. I'm playing, I'm straight, we're here."
Omenihu isn't the only one with the hope that he avoided a major injury and will be able to play in the Super Bowl. James Palmer of NFL Network reported via X on Sunday night that there is "some optimism" surrounding the injury. An MRI on Monday should provide more information.
Before leaving the conference title game with his injury, Omenihu made a massive play for Steve Spagnuolo's defense. On the Ravens' third drive, he strip-sacked quarterback Lamar Jackson and the fumble was recovered by defensive end George Karlaftis. Although the turnover didn't lead to points on offense, it was one of multiple critical examples of Kansas City's defense stepping up in a serious way. Omenihu finished the game with one tackle — the sack on first-and-10.
In recent weeks, Omenihu has emerged as a key piece for the Chiefs on defense. Signed to a two-year deal during the offseason, he recorded seven sacks in 11 games to close out the regular season after serving a six-game suspension in Weeks 1-6. The former fifth-round pick played 49 defensive snaps on Wild Card Weekend and another 44 in the Divisional Round, rotating in with players like Karlaftis, Mike Danna and even Chris Jones. If the MRI results come back relatively clean, that'll be a notable boost for both player and team with the Super Bowl approaching on February 11.
