Chiefs losing Nazeeh Johnson is a bigger problem than it appears
The Kansas City Chiefs are faced with some terrible news after training camp. Following their third padded practice, the Chiefs walked away with a tough feeling in their gut. One of their special teams aces was going to miss the 2023 season. According to Andy Reid, both Isiah Moore, a undrafted free agent rookie linebacker, […]
The Kansas City Chiefs are faced with some terrible news after training camp.
Following their third padded practice, the Chiefs walked away with a tough feeling in their gut. One of their special teams aces was going to miss the 2023 season.
According to Andy Reid, both Isiah Moore, a undrafted free agent rookie linebacker, and second-year cornerback Nazeeh Johnson are both heading to the Injury Reserved list, officially ending their 20233 season before it even starts.
You never want to see a guy or a number of guys end their season early, but these injuries, the Johnson one in particular, hurt a lot. There is actually more than meets the eye with the injury to the Chiefs' special team's ace.
Early this offseason, special teams coordinator Dave Toub was praising Johnson for his efforts last season.
"You know, towards the end of the year Nazeeh Johnson, as a gunner, he was playing better than anybody in the league. Toub told the media. “So, I’m excited about him. He’ll probably be our number one gunner coming into next year.”
Now, the Chiefs will have to find another number-one guy on special teams. Sure, that raises opportunities for other players to show they can do that, but it also means Johnson won’t be out there providing the things he does every game.
Johnson tied for the team lead in special teams tackles (6), despite playing just 96 snaps, which was 17th on the team. Johnson also was the second-highest graded special teams player according to Pro Football Focus, with an 86.8
The Chiefs will have to find other ways to make up for the production they are losing. They hope that cornerback Anthony Witherstone and tight end Izaiah Gathings, who they signed Sunday, can do just that.
Chiefs place recent draft pick on IR
This is not the news the Chiefs want this time of year.
Featured Image Via Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
