The Kansas City Chiefs' defensive line won't be complete in 2024 until Charles Omenihu returns to the gridiron. Apparently, that might not be so far off.
Omenihu remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list after suffering a torn ACL in last year's AFC Championship Game. The defender has done a good job of keeping the Chiefs Kingdom updated on his rehab and recovery on his social media accounts. He has shared periodic updates on his X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube channels.
The most recent update from Omenihu comes on X, where he said: "We at the home stretch."
This rehab and recovery have been a long and challenging process for Omenihu, who just days prior wrote the following on X:
"I’m learning patience. I’m learning divine timing. I’m learning how to rebuild mentally & physically. Soon I’ll be able to show what that looks like when the time is right."
Omenihu's teammates have seen the work he's been putting in behind the scenes and have come away impressed with what he has accomplished.
"He's been all in on it," Chiefs DT Chris Jones said. "Staying late, working out for three or four hours a day. Just his commitment, him and (Chiefs athletic trainer) Tiffany (Morton) doing whatever it takes to make sure Charles gets back and can excel when he steps on the field again."
What does Jones expect Omenihu's return from injury would bring to Kansas City? It's all about adding more versatility to the D-Line room and the defense as a whole.
"Add more versatility, not only to our room, but to our defense," He said. "We got a guy who can play end but also can bump down, play three-technique. And a guy who missed what? Four to six games last year, still had seven or eight sacks. So you know, we can have more sacks, have more versatility to this defense."
When could Omenihu realistically make his return for the Chiefs?
In the coming weeks, Chiefs fans should pay close attention to Omenihu's YouTube channel. He's been releasing a video series called "The Journey" all offseason, which offers an in-depth look at his life and recovery. Speaking on "The G.O.A.T. Farm Show" last month, Omenihu said he'd announce his NFL return in Episode 6 of "The Journey."
"All of my (physical therapists) say it has been one of the smoother rehabs that they've seen," Omenihu said. "So, I'm going to take that and ride. . . On my last YouTube episode. . . episode six is going to be when I announce me coming back. I'm going to announce when I'm coming back because I have a good idea."
The first five episodes of "The Journey" have been released. So, we're waiting on that final episode from Omenihu, who seems to hint it may be coming soon.
Omenihu previously hinted at a Week 13 target return date, but his return to action could certainly come sooner. The Chiefs can open his practice window beginning on Monday, Sept. 30 as his four required weeks on the reserve/PUP list will have elapsed. The team also has a free spot on the 53-man roster after they released RB Keaontay Ingram.
If he does return to practice following Week 4, it would be a remarkable recovery for Omenihu, who is seven months post-operation. The average NFL recovery timeline for ACL injuries is nine months. The team could realistically open up his practice window and wait a full 21 days for him to be acclimated and officially rejoin the 53-man roster, bringing him closer to eight months post-operation. If the team opens his practice window ahead of Week 5, I'd still anticipate his return closer to Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
