Chiefs’ latest roster moves might allow them to see results of a long-term offensive line investment in Week 15 vs. Chargers
The Kansas City Chiefs continued to reform their offensive line in the wake of injuries, elevating international OT Chu Godrick from the practice squad.
The Kansas City Chiefs continue to reshape their offensive line in the wake of injuries, and one of their latest roster moves could provide a glimpse at the results of one of the team’s long-term investments.
As first reported by Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick, the Chiefs are making a flurry of offensive line roster moves ahead of Week 15’s tilt with the Los Angeles Chargers. First up, Wanya Morris will be placed on injured reserve after suffering non-ACL ligament damage in Week 14’s game against the Houston Texans.
In a corresponding move, the Chiefs will promote former 2024 NFL Draft pick C.J. Hanson to the 53-man roster. Hanson exhausted all of his practice squad elevations just last week.
The most fascinating decision, however, is the team’s elevation of international OT Jason Chukwuebuka Godrick from the practice squad. The Nigerian-born offensive lineman joined the team through the International Player Pathway Program in 2023, having never played a snap of football before his first preseason game in 2023.
“Words can barely express it, to be honest,” Godrick told A to Z Sports. “The atmosphere was definitely something I had never experienced, but I did my best to keep my head on a swivel and just play ball.”
Now, he’ll be acting as the Chiefs’ swing offensive tackle with Esa Pole and Jaylon Moore both slated to start at offensive tackle on Sunday. He also has the flexibility to play some interior offensive line snaps in a pinch as well.
The Chiefs could finally get an honest look at Chu Godrick in Week 15 vs. Chargers
The Chiefs have seen quite a few offensive line injuries as of late, and they’d need another for Godrick to play meaningful snaps in Week 15. However, this will be the first-ever regular-season NFL game for Godrick, and there’s at least a chance he’ll be used as an extra offensive lineman on jumbo formations.
The Chiefs’ coaching staff raved about Godrick’s improvement during training camp this year.
“He’s (Chukwuebuka Godrick) actually doing a good job,” Chiefs HC Andy Reid said of Godrick during training camp. “Talking about Chu here. He’s actually doing a good job out there. He’s worked guard, he’s worked tackle, he’s trying to get into that flex position where he can help out and compete. But he’s having a good camp so far. Look forward to seeing him in the games.”
During the preseason, Godrick allowed one sack and five other pressures on 78 pass-blocking snaps. He was also flagged for penalties just twice.
“Then, Chu (Godrick), I’ve been really pleased with his progression here,” Chiefs OL Coach Andy Heck told reporters in mid-August. “You know, it takes time coming from a different country not really having played the game, but things are starting to click for Chu a little bit right now, so we’re giving them an opportunity to compete.”
Godrick has been playing catch-up, as many of his teammates had been playing this game and working to master their craft since their youth.
The athletic ability is clearly there with Godrick, but the final piece of the puzzle is whether he can master his technique and the mental side of the game. If he can prove he’s done that as a swing tackle option in the next few weeks, he could certainly become a key piece of the team’s future on the offensive line.
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