Chiefs

Podcast: Here’s how KC Chiefs will operate without suspended linebacker Willie Gay Jr.

FILE - In this Oct. 25, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) runs off the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver. The Chiefs second-year linebacker posted on social media that he is struggling with his mental health. Gay offered no specifics in the tweet, which was posted soon after Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Gay was excused from practice for ‚Äúpersonal reasons.” (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 25, 2020, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (50) runs off the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver. The Chiefs second-year linebacker posted on social media that he is struggling with his mental health. Gay offered no specifics in the tweet, which was posted soon after Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Gay was excused from practice for ‚Äúpersonal reasons.” (AP Photo/Justin Edmonds, File) AP

The undefeated Chiefs visit the winless Colts on Sunday, but Kansas City will be without linebacker Willie Gay Jr., who will serve the first game of his four-game suspension this week.

How will the Chiefs compensate for the loss? Beat writers Herbie Teope and Jesse Newell, along with columnists Sam McDowell and Vahe Gregorian, discuss on today’s SportsBeat KC podcast.

Darius Harris appears to be nexr man up, but rookie Leo Chenal is expected to see more action, too. Also, the Chiefs summoned linebackers Elijah Lee and Jack Cochrane from their practice squad last week.

Also, the Chiefs had some trouble in short-yardage situations against the Chargers last weekend. Chiefs coach Andy Reid addressed the topic this week, and you’ll hear from him on today’s pod. The answer starts with no quarterback sneaks for Patrick Mahomes, who injured his knee three years ago running that play against Denver.

Today’s podcast show started as SportsBeat Live stream. Oh, and let this be your invitation to join us on Sunday after the Colts game. We’ll start the conversation around 5 p.m. Sunday.

Story link:

Why rookie linebacker says he has plenty of room to grow with the Chiefs

This story was originally published September 22, 2022 at 12:27 PM.

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
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