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There’s some potentially good news for the Chiefs‘ defensive unit heading into this weekend’s game against the New England Patriots.
Linebacker Drue Tranquill took part in full practice on Wednesday and Thursday after missing their game versus the Bills because of a concussion.
In his first season with the Chiefs, Tranquill is putting together a Pro Bowl-like campaign, registering 73 tackles and 3.5 sacks, including six tackles for losses.
He and wide receiver Justyn Ross were both at practice this week, with the latter missing numerous games through suspension.
While the team isn’t indicating the stage Tranquill has reached in the league’s concussion protocol, his taking part in full practice is a good sign.
That suggests he’s at least at stage four or five of that protocol, meaning he can participate in non-contact drills and full football activity before receiving final clearance.
Tranquill hasn’t featured since being knocked out of their Sunday night loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Last Sunday, Nick Bolton took his place against the Bills, registering five tackles in his return from the injury front.
Bolton previously sustained a dislocated wrist.
With Tranquill in the heart of that linebacking corps, the Chiefs had held the league’s top offensive unit, the Miami Dolphins, to a mere 292 total yards while keeping the Philadelphia Eagles to below 300 yards offensively the following week.
Tranquill’s Versatility
Coming over from the Los Angeles Chargers, who were middle of the pack regarding yards allowed per game last season (346.1), we didn’t know what to expect from Tranquill in 2023.
Before his injury, he had been performing brilliantly with his aggressive physical mindset, strong hands and ability to evade blocks, proving to be a valuable asset to Steve Spagnuolo‘s group.
Before his concussion the fifth-year NFL veteran had logged over 500 defensive snaps in 2023 (74% of those available).
In his previous four games before his concussion in Green Bay, Tranquill’s snap percentages were at 99, 95, 98 and 100, respectively.
Tranquill is doing a little bit of everything for the Chiefs defensively, second on the team regarding tackles, breaking up a pass and leading the team in Pro Football Focus “stops”.
His versatility has been invaluable, and without him, the Chiefs have had difficulty slowing down opposing offenses.
Seeing as the Chiefs face one of the worst offensive units in the NFL this weekend, it would be wise not to bring Tranquill back into the fold unless he’s 100%.
Seeing how seriously the league takes concussions though, he won’t be permitted to see the field unless he’s fully fit.
The Patriots are generating a mere 291.4 yards per game this season, the fifth-fewest in the NFL.
Their 13 points per game are the lowest average in the league.
Tranquill has generated two forced fumbles in 2023.
New England is second-worst regarding turnover differential this season (-9) with 15 interceptions and six fumbles.