As the Chiefs embark on their threepeat quest, they will be without one of their edge-rushing regulars. Charles Omenihu is remaining on the team’s PUP list, moving to the reserve/PUP to start the season.
The two-time reigning champions are hopeful the 2023 free agency addition will be ready to return in November, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. The former Texans and 49ers edge player suffered an ACL tear during the Chiefs’ AFC championship game win in Baltimore and had been expected to start the season off the roster.
Omenihu, who turned 27 last week, must miss only four games because of this transaction. But it appears clear the Chiefs are not expecting him back until around midseason. Considering Omenihu suffered the tear in late January, it is not surprising to see this timetable emerge.
The Chiefs gave Omenihu a two-year, $16MM deal as a free agent last year. Despite beginning last season by serving a six-game suspension — for a January 2023 domestic violence arrest — and then ending it with an ACL tear, Omenihu already proclaimed himself deserving of a new contract. He did total seven sacks in 11 games and then add an eighth during his abbreviated Ravens matchup, forcing two fumbles. But it appears he will need to wait there; the Chiefs will likely gauge Omenihu’s post-surgery form before making a move.
Kansas City has former first-rounder George Karlaftis anchoring its edge rush, and the team re-signed versatile D-lineman Mike Danna this offseason. The Chiefs did not give 2023 first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah much playing time as a rookie, but Omenihu being moved off the roster opens the door for the Kansas City-area native.
Another defensive end will also begin the season off Kansas City’s roster. BJ Thompson, who went into cardiac arrest during a June special teams meeting, will begin the season on the NFI list, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes. Thompson suffered a seizure and was hospitalized. The Chiefs are expecting the 2023 fifth-round pick to play this season, however.
Omenihu should be staying on the incarcerated list for beating up the mother of his child. But no, Andy Reid doesn’t care about that. Only winning matters. Your son paralyzed a child? Get the governor to get him out of jail. Player beats up his girlfriend? Give him a contract extension!