KC Chiefs Make Roster Moves, Concerning Injury Updates Ahead of Buffalo Bills Playoff Game
The Kansas City Chiefs made a flurry of roster moves and injury report changes on Saturday, one day before they take on the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
The Chiefs ruled wide receiver Kadarius Toney out for Sunday's game after originally listing him as questionable on Friday. The team also added two impact defenders to the injury report, making defensive lineman Charles Omenihu (illness) and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (neck) both questionable to play on Sunday. On Friday, the Chiefs ruled out offensive tackle Wanya Morris, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi, and wide receiver Skyy Moore (IR).
To help replace Nnadi against the Bills, the Chiefs elevated two defensive linemen from the practice squad: nose tackle Mike Pennel and defensive tackle Matt Dickerson.
On Friday, Nnadi posted a picture on his Instagram story of his left arm, bandaged and braced, captioned with "Everything happens for a reason" and "God's work šš¾." Nnadi did not practice during the week due to a tricep injury, according to the team's injury report.
What do these injuries mean for the Chiefs?
Without Nnadi, the Chiefs will be short-handed on the interior defensive line, leaving Pennel and Dickerson to support Chris Jones and Tershawn Wharton. Neil Farrell also remains on the active roster, though he has been active only three times this season, including in Week 18 when the Chiefs rested many of their starters.
At the defensive end position, losing Omenihu would leave another void on the KC defensive line. George Karlaftis and Mike Danna would get the majority of the EDGE work, but Malik Herring and rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah would likely be forced into more significant action if Omenihu can't go. Omenihu is one of the Chiefs' most versatile pass-rushers, with the ability to play on the outside or inside.
Gay played 57% of the Chiefs' defensive snaps in the regular season, most among linebackers. While Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill should be considered KC's top-two linebackers, Gay's physical presence against a Josh Allen-led Bills offense would be missed.
How serious are Omenihu and Gay's designations?
The good news, reported by James Palmer of NFL Network, is that there is "not a ton of concern" about Omenihhu or Gay's status for the game. Palmer tweeted that the "expectation right now is they should be able to go tomorrow per source."
