3 Chiefs Players Fighting for Their Jobs in Week 7 vs. Chargers
By Joe Summers
![Malik Herring faces an uphill battle for playing time with Charles Omenihu due back from suspension Malik Herring faces an uphill battle for playing time with Charles Omenihu due back from suspension](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5366,h_3018,x_0,y_24/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/220/01hd1wm3x0dpb5r1k61x.jpg)
2. Malik Herring/Mike Danna
Both of these defensive ends have played fantastic football, helping the Chiefs' defense rank second in opponent points per game (14.7) as one of the best units in the NFL. However, each player faces a crowded defensive line room full of quality pass rushers.
Kansas City's most anticipated offseason acquisition, Charles Omenihu, will make his debut this week after serving a six-game suspension for domestic violence. Omenihu compiled 4.5 sacks in limited playing time with the 49ers despite limited playing time last year and projects as the Chiefs' second-best defensive lineman behind Chris Jones.
I expect that Steve Spagnuolo will ease Omenihu into action, though as increased snap count in future weeks have to come at someone's expense.
The Kansas City Chiefs pressure leaders this season:
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) October 13, 2023
🥇 George Karlaftis - 27
🥈 Chris Jones - 21
🥉 Mike Danna - 16
4️⃣ Felix Anudike-Uzomah - 6
➡️ Leo Chenal - 6 pic.twitter.com/uI7gRhHIJB
Danna has been exceptional, so I expect Herring to be on the short end of the stick here. Herring hasn't eclipsed 38% of the snaps yet this year while Danna played at least 79% each of the last three weeks, so it seems likely Herring has more to prove.
George Karaftis took a leap forward and I don't see Spags cutting his snaps. Rookie first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah is unlikely to make much of an impact moving forward, so the Chiefs' coaching staff will choose between Danna and Herring in the most competitive games moving forward.
Of course, Frank Clark's potential return looms large as well. Kansas City has the best kind of problem: too many good players.
You can never have too many pass rushers, though the Chiefs will test that theory over the next few months.