Loss of Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu ‘huge,’ but don’t count out Thuney
Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu won’t play in Super Bowl LVIII because of a torn ACL, coach Andy Reid confirmed Thursday, but his presence will be felt by the Chiefs as they prepare to meet the San Francisco 49ers.
“It’s huge,” Bolton said of the loss. “We’re going need his spirits around the facility. We’re going need his energy and his positivity. We’re going to lean on him a little bit.”
Omenihu suffered the injury in Kansas City’s AFC Championship Game victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The injury occurred in the second quarter, only moments after Omenihu recorded a sack of Lamar Jackson and forced a fumble.
After the game, Omenihu told reporters on the field during the Lamar Hunt Trophy celebration that he expected to play in the Super Bowl. But MRI results the next day confirmed the bad news.
Omenihu will miss the opportunity to play against his former team. He signed as a free agent with the Chiefs after spending the previous 1 1/2 years with the 49ers.
“You feel for him for sure,” Bolton said.
Also not practicing on Thursday was guard Joe Thuney. The All-Pro suffered a pectoral injury against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. Nick Allegretti has stepped in for Thuney.
“He’s making progress,” Reid said of Thuney. “We’re not counting him out.”
This story was originally published February 1, 2024 at 1:52 PM.