Charles Omenihu suspension is over: Exploring the boost to the Chiefs’ D-line

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A Chiefs defense, which has been the story of their early season success, could get a considerable boost this weekend.

Charles Omenihu signed a two-year deal with the reigning Super Bowl champions back in March, but his debut has been on hiatus for the opening six weeks of the campaign as he serves his suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

It’s the second successive season that the Chiefs have dealt with an issue like this after Willie Gay was forced to miss Week 3 to 6 last year under similar circumstances.

Omenihu was arrested in January due to an allegation of misdemeanour and domestic violence.

The six foot-five, 280-pound defensive end is coming off his best season as a professional, featuring in 17 games for the San Francisco 49ers a year ago, where he put up career highs in tackles (20), and sacks (4.5).

Fifth round success

Despite being named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year at the University of Texas in 2018, Omenihu wasn’t selected until the fifth round by the Houston Texans, the city where he was born in 1997.

He had a total of seven sacks in his two seasons with the Texans on what was one of the worst defensive units in the league in 2019 and 2020.

Although he wasn’t in the spotlight much with the Niners in 2021 and 2022, he was still a regular last season and played his part in making the Niners the best defensive unit in the NFL.

According to Per Football Focus, Omenihu has 54 pressures and 10 hurries in San Fran a season ago, and Chiefs coach Andy Reid is expecting big things out of him this year on that defensive line.

“Listen, I think the front’s done a real nice job with pressure and getting to the quarterback,” Reid said. “They’ve done a pretty good job with the run game, likewise. You add Charles in there, who is a good football player, to the mix… I’m kind of looking forward to seeing him get in there.”

With Chris Jones back in the mix and already at 5.5 sacks, he will still be the featured guy, but Omenihu should fit in well with their defensive setup.

Overall, the defensive line has played well across the board, from Jones to George Karlaftis and Mike Danna, all of whom already have multiple sacks in 2023.

It never hurts to add another weapon, though, along the line of scrimmage, and Omenihu’s presence should make life that much harder for opposing offensive linemen.

It would also enable other teams to think twice about doubling Jones, who looks to be on pace for another Pro Bowl campaign.

Being in an organisation like Kansas City, just in a winning culture, would also probably be what Omenihu needs to focus on football rather than extracurricular things.

Time will tell what he can contribute but adding a little more depth to that position never hurts.