Chiefs hoping linebacker doesn’t become another position hit by injuries

Two positions are already particularly thin for the Kansas City Chiefs as they deal with injuries in training camp. Now they're hoping that linebacker won't become the next place where moves are necessary.

The Chiefs have already made some minor moves to bolster both the wide receiver and cornerback positions after suffering some injuries shortly into camp in St. Joseph. Linebacker is now beginning to see some attrition and will be an area of the roster to watch going forward.

Linebacker Drue Tranquill was scheduled to speak with the media on Friday, the team's first day back after a day off from practice at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. Instead, the team's training staff was busy attending to his back after he left a final team practice early.

Drue Tranquill's back injury makes the position one to watch for further needs.

Following the injury, head coach Andy Reid addressed the media with a full injury update and provided a bit of clarity on Tranquill. "Tranquil hurt his back. So he just strained his back a little bit, and it was really almost a non-contact thing. So we'll just get him taken care of," said Reid.

The Chiefs were already waiting on fifth-round rookie Jeffrey Bassa to return from an ankle injury that kept him out earlier in the week. Bassa missed two practices, but was fortunately able to return on Friday.

Tranquill and Bassa are both important parts for the team's linebacking room, which is anchored by Nick Bolton after signing a long-term contract extension this past March. Leo Chenal is coming into a contract year, with Tranquill as another starter in the team's base defense. Bassa is a likely first reserve and sub package player, offering the unit some youth and versatility as an experienced leader coming out of Oregon.

The Chiefs are used to Tranquill's presence on the field after watching him play in 16 games in each of his two seasons in Kansas City. However, he's also turning 30 years old this month. Last year, he handled 798 total snaps, and it stands to reason that amount might decline at least a tad for the sake of keeping him fresh for the stretch run.

The Chiefs originally Tranquill to a one-year deal before the 2023 season to bolster the linebacking corps. They loved the addition so much that they re-signed him to a new three-year deal before the 2024 season, which means Tranquill is squarely in the team's plans through 2026.

It's possible that Tranquill's back injury is much ado about nothing and that Bassa doesn't have to be careful on that ankle injury. But it's not as if the Chiefs are loaded with young talent at the position in case something happens. If someone else is lost to injury, Brett Veach would likely work the phones to bring in some outside help.