Charles Omenihu Injury Report: Chiefs DE to miss Super Bowl LVIII due to torn ACL

The Kansas City Chiefs are going to enjoy their fourth Super Bowl appearance in the past five years. After smashing the Baltimore Ravens, Patrick Mahomes and Co. will enter their Super Bowl LVIII to play against Brock Purdy’s San Francisco 49ers.

However, the Chiefs will have to struggle with significant defensive woes due to injuries of several key players. Their linebacker Willie Gay missed the match against the Ravens due to a neck injury. Besides him, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi was placed on injured reserve with a triceps injury. Now, as they work to regroup and plan for the Super Bowl, another concern arises with the injury to defensive end Charles Omenihu.

ACL tear sidelines Charles Omenihu for the whole season

Charles Omenihu’s promising debut season with the Chiefs has taken a devastating turn. He is expected to sit out Super Bowl LVIII due to a torn ACL sustained in the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury happened in the first half, restricting his involvement to just six plays for the rest of the game.

The injury left the defensive star visibly frustrated on the sideline as he struggled to push off his leg. He was initially optimistic and insistent that he would be ready for Super Bowl LVIII.

“This is what I came here for, bro. This is exactly what I came here for. Make big plays, help the team win, you know what I’m saying? I’m going to be good. I know I’m not done. I’m playing, I’m straight, we’re here”, he said following the match.

However, later reports emerged on Monday confirming the torn ACL. NFL Network National Correspondent James Palmer broke the news on social media.

This misfortune left the footballer on the verge of missing the Super Bowl, just one game away from the potential glory of hoisting the Trophy. Omenihu himself seemed to confirm the news on social media by posting a broken heart emoji.

The Chiefs star came up with another social media post with an optimism to come back stronger.

“Thank you all for the support. God makes no mistakes. We were all a witness to my adversity earlier this year, and I came back better than ever. I promise it will be no different this time. Football, 90 will see you again till then much love to everyone and God bless.”

With the pass rusher being sidelined, attention will turn to rookie first-round defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah. He may step into the void in the edge rotation. Despite being inactive for the playoffs, Anudike-Uzomah can play a crucial role in the Super Bowl.

What was Charles Omenihu’s season-long performance like?

Charles Omenihu had a standout season, making a significant impact on opposing offenses. With an impressive seven sacks in just 11 regular-season games, he proved to be a crucial part of the Chiefs’ defensive plan, achieving a career high. Additionally, he displayed versatility with two forced fumbles and 28 tackles.

Omenihu’s consistent ability to pressure quarterbacks was a key asset for the Chiefs’ defense. A highlight of his season was a crucial play against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, where he secured a sack-fumble during the second quarter.

Charles Omenihu’s journey with the Chiefs began last offseason after spending two seasons with the 49ers. During his time with the 49ers, he accumulated 4.5 sacks in 26 games. However, his 2023 season with the Chiefs faced a setback, as he missed the first six games due to suspension.