Chiefs lose former first-round pick for 2025 season

The injury is a blow to the depth for the Chiefs, as Anudike-Uzomah was the second-string defensive end behind Mike Danna. His absence means Kansas City will rely on third-round pick Ashton Gillotte to contribute more in the upcoming season. The rookie has just one tackle in the preseason.

Anundike-Uzomah needed to show improvement in his third season in the league after underwhelming in his first two years in Kansas City. He has appeared in 34 games and started three during his first two seasons. He’s recorded just 41 tackles, two forced fumbles and three sacks.

Per Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said he was "disappointed" that Anudike-Uzomah would miss any time, as the pass rusher worked hard to make a leap before his third year in the league.

“Yeah, that’s a tough thing,” Reid said. “He’s worked hard. We’ll see where it goes. I can’t tell you how long it’s going to be. Any time is disappointing for him because he’s worked so hard.”

Because the injury comes before the regular season, Anundike-Uzomah will be unable to put up better tape for the front office to pick up his fifth-year option next offseason. He'll have to have a big season in the final year of his rookie deal in 2026 to earn a contract extension from Kansas City.