KC Chiefs: recuperating right tackle Lucas Niang unlikely to be ready for start of camp
The Chiefs are going to need to devise a Plan B at right tackle during the initial stages of their offseason workout program ... and through the early months of the summer.
Lucas Niang, who is on the mend from a torn patellar tendon suffered in the 2021 regular-season finale, won’t be ready when the Chiefs report to St. Joseph for camp in late July.
“I think him (being ready) by the end of training camp is something that could happen,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. “But he’s definitely on target on where he needs to be.”
On average, a full recovery from a torn patellar tendon following surgery is typically six months, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Niang suffered the injury on Jan. 8, 2022.
Niang, 23, started nine games at right tackle in 2021. A late-summer return sounds like unfortunate news, but the Chiefs appear equipped, given the other offensive linemen dotting their current roster, to deal with his absence.
Veteran Andrew Wylie, who started seven games at right tackle while Niang dealt with other injuries, returned on a one-year deal during free agency. The Chiefs also signed veteran Geron Christian, who can play both tackle positions, to a one-year deal.
Of the two, Wylie is likely to absorb the majority of Niang’s repetitions at right tackle during organized teams activities (OTAs) and the Chiefs’ three-day mandatory minicamp (June 14-16).
The Chiefs could also elect to select another tackle in next weekend’s draft to bolster their depth at Niang’s position.
In the meantime, Veach is encouraged by recent feedback he has received from head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder regarding Niang’s progress during his rehabilitation from surgery.
“Lucas actually flew in and got an update on his MRI and everything was exactly where it needed to be,” Veach said. “With the bigger guys, you’re always worried about ... especially with that injury, I’ll defer to Rick.
“But just in general, his timeline, Rick was excited about the degrees of flexion and flexibility. It was a check-plus, so that means it was where it needed to be.”
