By MATT PIKE
One of the more intriguing battles during Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp at Missouri Western State University has been along the defensive line, searching for an edge rusher opposite George Karlaftis.
With Charles Omehihu gone to free agency, as well as Mike Danna, three young Chiefs players are looking to make an impact in 2026, including former first round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah. After suffering a season ending hamstring injury last season, Anudike-Uzomah is making huge strides during this years Training Camp, and says he feels the healthiest he's ever felt in his entire career.
Anudike-Uzomah says this defense is a group filled with young and hungry players that act like veterans
"How they roll, how they learn the game," Anudike-Uzomah tells reporters after practice. "We've got a pretty good group, and with Chris (Jones) and George (Karlaftis) leading the way, it's looking pretty good."
Anudike Uzomah missed last season with a hamstring injury. He spent time this offseason while recovering working with Karlaftis
"Getting better, getting right, just learning off of him," Anudike-Uzomah explains. "Because obviously he's a great guy and just a great teammate and a great pass rusher, so, learning off of him."
Anudike-Uzomah has been getting reps with the first team defense, with defensive end Ashton Gillote injured. He is competing with Gillote, along with rookie R Mason Thomas for the job this preseason. Thomas is working hard to find his place in the Chiefs defense.
Earlier in camp, when asked about Thomas, offensive tackle Josh Simmons said he almost had to go offisides at times working to block Thomas.
"Extremely explosive. You almost have to be offsides to kind of stay in front of him," Simmons told reporters following Wednesday's practice about Thomas. "So I think he'll definitely keep me in any tackle on their toes to make sure you're on the snap count for sure."
Thomas says hearing that, and moments like that, bring him confidence
"Because he's a great tackle to go against to get better with and he gives me the hardest work out of the o-line," Thomas explains. "So that that brings confidence. I'm kind of happy that he said that!"
Thomas, the Chiefs second round pick out of Oklahoma, has split reps with Anudike-Uzomah during Gillote's injury. The high riser on the depth chart has appeared to be Anudike-Uzomah during Training Camp, but the Chiefs will evaluate more through the remainder of camp as well as next Saturday's preseason game, until Gillote is able to return to practice.
Another rookie that is is living his dream to play in the National Football League and is relishing his chance at his dream while playing with the Chiefs during Training Camp is seventh round pick Garrett Nussmeier.
Nussmeier is looking to replace Chris Oladokun as the third quarterback on the Chiefs depth chart, learning behind Patrick Mahomes and Justin Fields during camp at Missouri Western State University. After being the face of a program at LSU in college, Nussmeier says it is a little humbling to have a lower profile
"But it's awesome, I'm in such a great room with two great quarterbacks, two great vets in front of me, with Justin (Fields) and Pat (Mahomes)," Nussmeier says. "So, just trying to learn everything I can from them, spend as much time around Pat as I can, see his routines and things like that, and just continue to try to make myself better by being around them."
At the end of the day, Nussmeier says he is just happy to be doing the thing he has wanted to do his whole life, and be on an NFL team.
Chiefs practice again tomorrow at 9:15am, the final practice this week.
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