Charles Omenihu enjoyed a career year with the Chiefs in 2023, but an ACL tear took him out of the AFC title game. The veteran defensive end’s comments on his recovery to date point to him returning at some point in the regular season.
“It’s going good,” Omenihu said of his rehab process (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2). “Slow process, everybody told me it was going to be like that, but it’s been decent. Honestly, right now, I’m steady, I’m cool… I kind of keep myself like that, just stay plain and we’ll get to the point where I ramp it up like that.”
The 26-year-old’s progress in recovery will be worth watching closely as the summer unfolds. Omenihu proved to be a vital part of Kansas City’s strong defense in his debut Chiefs campaign.
The former Texan and 49er recorded seven sacks and a pair of forced fumbles in 2023 despite missing the first six games through suspension. That production came while he was logging a career-high 56 percent snap share, and a similar workload could await him once he is healthy.
The 2024 campaign carries important financial implications in this situation as well, of course. Omenihu has one year remaining on his current deal, and he is owed $7.4M this season.
The former fifth-rounder expressed a desire for an extension (one which would be accompanied by a raise) in February, but given his injury status, it would come as a surprise if one were to be worked out before he returns to action.
While Omenihu is sidelined, the Chiefs will rely on George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and BJ Thompson along the edge at the start of the year (that is, presuming the latter will be recovered in full from his cardiac arrest by the fall).
Omenihu will represent a notable addition to that group once he is back in the fold, and his play will go a long way in determining his earning power on a new Chiefs accord or a free-agent deal.
