The Chiefs’ offensive line depth took a hit today, as the team announced (via Twitter) it has placed veteran guard Paul Fanaika on the injured reserve list. To replace Fanaika on the roster, the club re-signed linebacker Dezman Moses.
Fanaika, 29, emerged as a starter in Arizona in 2013, and ultimately started 30 games at right guard for the Cardinals over the last two seasons. After signing with the Chiefs back in March, Fanaika earned a spot on the 53-man roster as a reserve offensive lineman, and likely would’ve been relied upon at guard or tackle if he was needed.
Instead, he’ll spend the year on injured reserve, or at least will remain on IR until he and Kansas City reach an injury settlement. The nature and severity of Fanaika’s injury isn’t yet known.
As for Moses, he returns to the Chiefs after spending the 2014 season on injured reserve. He was a special teams contributor for the club in 2013, playing just 59 defensive snaps that year.
Makes Jeff Allen’s return to action paramount, with scant depth existing o this front. In having G/T experience, the swing spot makes sense for him if he cannot reclaim the right guard gig. But this group could limit the Chiefs considerably this season.