The Kansas City Chiefs will enter their Super Bowl LVIII matchup against the San Francisco 49ers without a key member of their defensive unit. According to reports, veteran defensive end Charles Omenihu suffered a torn ACL during Sunday’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game.
The report surfaced on Monday from NFL Network National Correspondent James Palmer via social media.
“Charles Omenihu was optimistic last night, as were the Chiefs about his knee injury. But Omenihu did tear his ACL per source.” posted Palmer on X, “He’s been a big part of KC’s defense and is now done. Brutal blow.”
#Chiefs Charles Omenihu was optimistic last night as were the #chiefs about his knee injury. But Omenihu did tear his ACL per source. He’s been a big part of KC’s defense and is now done. Brutal blow.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 29, 2024
Omenihu’s injury will force some shuffling around on the defensive line that is already missing Derrick Nnadi due to injury. Omenihu was signed last offseason by the Chiefs after spending two seasons with the 49ers. He missed the first six games of the 2023 season due to suspension following a violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The veteran lineman made an immediate impact once he was activated to play for Kansas City. He finished the regular season with seven sacks and two forced fumbles while contributing a sack in Sunday’s victory before leaving with the injury.