The Kansas City Chiefs already had concerns along the defensive line entering Week 7. There simply aren't clear and consistent answers when it comes to both interior and exterior play, and the situation got even worse on Sunday when Omarr Norman-Lott suffered a knee injury in Sunday's dominating win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie defensive lineman was helped off the field (h/t @NFLonCBS) during the third quarter and wouldn't return for the rest of the day.
This led to understandable questions for head coach Andy Reid in the postgame presser. Fans hoping for an encouraging update were let down as Reid told reporters, via KSHB 41 News' McKenzie Nelson, that Norman-Lott will undergo an MRI on Monday and that the team will "know more tomorrow" on how long the rookie is going to miss.
There is no question that the initial update isn't promising, with Reid likely offering a more hopeful update if the injury wasn't expected to keep Norman-Lott sidelined for some time.
Andy Reid Offers Concerning Update on Omarr Norman-Lott After Week 7 Injury
While the Chiefs are coming off a dominating 31-0 defensive performance against the Raiders, Norman-Lott's injury highlights the need for more defensive help. It unquestionably helps as well that Jones is playing at a higher level, plugging up the middle and again getting consistently into the backfield, but one player can only do so much, and the unit will be in worse shape if ONL misses a lot of time.
The Chiefs need to take this injury as a sign that a move needs to be made. Both at the edge position and in the interior, there should be a sense of urgency to improve. Rashee Rice is back in the lineup, and the offense exploded to show why the Chiefs should be counted among the league's favored contenders. It's only right that general manager Brett Veach shores up the defense to bolster Kansas City's Super Bowl odds.
It doesn't have to be an All-Pro presence, but another reliable defensive lineman could make all the difference down the stretch. Even if Norman-Lott doesn't miss much time, having another capable hand is better than being short-changed when disaster strikes again.
While there is still a level of hope that Monday's update provides surprise good news, it does seem increasingly unlikely. If the Chiefs want to get ahead of Norman-Lott's situation, Veach should be working the phones for a potential trade or signing as soon as possible.