Chiefs Suffer Wave of Injuries in Preseason Week 2 Clash, Raising Depth Concerns
Kansas City, MO – August 16, 2025 –
The Kansas City Chiefs’ second preseason outing came at a steep cost, as six players left the field with injuries that cast an uneasy shadow over the roster just weeks before the regular season begins.
Linebacker Jack Cochrane exited with a knee issue, safety Nazeeh Johnson sustained a shoulder injury, and cornerback Nohl Williams was sidelined after suffering a concussion. The secondary, already under scrutiny this offseason, now faces additional uncertainty.
The Chiefs’ defense absorbed even more setbacks when safety Mike Edwards and edge rusher Felix Anudike-Uzomah were both forced out with hamstring injuries. Edwards, a veteran brought in to stabilize the back end, and Anudike-Uzomah, a young pass-rusher developing into a rotational piece, leave notable gaps if sidelined long-term.
Defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott was also shaken up with an ankle injury but managed to return later in the game, offering at least one reassuring sign amid a string of troubling updates.
Team officials have not provided detailed timelines for the injured players, but the accumulation of setbacks underscores the precarious nature of the preseason. What was meant to be a stage for fine-tuning has instead left the coaching staff scrambling to reassess depth.
The injuries particularly stress Kansas City’s defensive unit, where competition for roles had been intense through camp. Losing contributors across multiple layers of the defense could compromise flexibility as the team narrows its 53-man roster.
Head Coach Andy Reid and his staff will now face tough decisions about snap counts in the final preseason week, balancing the need for evaluation with the risk of further attrition. Depth signings or roster adjustments could soon be on the horizon.
For a team eyeing another deep playoff run, the Chiefs must navigate these preseason setbacks carefully. The health of role players and rotational defenders may ultimately determine how durable their championship aspirations remain once the regular season begins.
