Will Charles Omenihu be back for the Super Bowl vs the 49ers?

The Kansas City Chiefs continue their preparation for the culmination of the NFL season with their matchup against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII set for next weekend. Andy Reid’s team have enjoyed a bye week and have dedicated the last three days to their game planning before they fly out to Las Vegas later today where they will continue working towards next weekend’s showpiece.

The Chiefs gave an update on their injured players on Wednesday and an estimation update on Friday. Two players did not participate at all in Friday’s practice - left guard Joe Thuney is still struggling with a pectoral injury and defensive lineman Charles Omenihu, is definitely out with a knee injury. Defensive tackle Chris Jones (quadriceps), wide receiver Skyy Moore (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco, who has had issues with an ankle and toe injury for the past week or so, all had limited participation in the last two sessions.

What kind of injury is Charles Omenihu recovering from?

An MRI scan revealed that Charles Omenihu ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during last week’s AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. Omenihu had a sack and forced fumble in Sunday’s matchup but had to quit the field at M and T Bank stadium in the first half. He will undergo surgery to repair the torn ligament then begin the long road to recovery. The rehabilitation process for such injuries is usually around nine months, which means that in the best case scenario, Omenihu might be able to return in September or October. However, occasionally the recovery period is longer - especially for older players which means the 26-year-old might be sidelined for 11 to 12 months.

This is all to say that he will definitely miss the Super Bowl and a chance to face his old team. Omenihu joined the 49ers from the Houston Texans for a 2023 sixth-round pick in November 2021. In March last year, he signed a two-year deal worth $16 million ($8.6 million guaranteed) as a free agent with the Chiefs. After a difficult start, he soon established himself as vital member of the Chiefs’ defensive line. As linebacker Nick Bolton noted: “It’s huge. We missed him earlier in the season [six games through suspension]. He came back and was able to produce for us. He’s one of those guys that you hate to see him go down. He’s worked hard for this moment and got a chance to play against his old team at that venue and that stage, so you feel for him for sure.”

Omenihu’s injury is a headache for Andy Reid, who has Derrick Nnadi on injured reserve with a triceps injury. Omenhi finished the regular season with seven sacks and two forced fumbles together with the crucial strip-sack against the Ravens before injuring his knee. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo indicated that 22-year-old rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah “will probably have to step in there”. Other more experienced options include Mike Danna and Malik Herring.