Pro Football Rumors
Felix Anudike-Uzomah‘s third NFL season has ended before it began. The Chiefs will moved him to injured reserve, per a team announcement.
A strained hamstring will result in this move. Earlier today, head coach Andy Reid noted (via ESPN’s Nate Tice) that taking the IR route was a consideration. Now that it is official, Anudike-Uzomah will be sidelined for the entire campaign.
The 2023 first-rounder played a full 17 games during his rookie campaign, adding one playoff appearance along the way. Anudike-Uzomah logged just a 20% snap share that season, but his workload increased in 2024 (a campaign which also did not include any missed time). The 23-year-old saw his usage rate jump to 31%, and he produced 2.5 sacks along with 10 QB pressures.
Another step forward could have been in store for 2025. Instead, Anudike-Uzomah will turn his attention to recovery while the Chiefs move on to other options along the edge. The Kansas State product is attached to his rookie contract through 2026, with a decision on his fifth-year option needing to be made this spring. Obviously, today’s news is a strong indication the option will be declined.
Kansas City’s defensive end depth chart will once again be led by George Karlaftis in 2025 but also many years to come. He agreed to a four-year extension last month, and the big-ticket accord ensures he will remain in place for the foreseeable future. Mike Danna and Charles Omenihu are holdovers from last season, and they combined to record 4.5 sacks in 2024. That tandem’s availability (along with that of Karlaftis, of course) will be crucial for the reigning AFC champions given today’s news.
Third-round rookie Ashton Gillotte could be in position to take an increased role with Anudike-Uzomah out of the picture for 2025. If Kansas City intends to pursue a veteran addition to compensate for the latter’s absences, a signing could be feasible. The Chiefs have nearly $17MM in cap space at the moment. With roster cuts approaching, a decision will need to be made on whether or not using those funds will be necessary while shorthanded along the edge.
