Charles Omenihu injury update: Chiefs DE practices fully ahead of Week 5 vs. Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Charles Omenihu is on the Week 5 injury report with an ankle issue. He logged a full practice on Thursday as the Chiefs prepare to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, October 6, at EverBank Stadium. This is a positive sign for his availability on Monday Night Football.

The Chiefs listed several starters as full participants to open the week, and Omenihu was among them. Kansas City’s defensive front could be close to full strength, which matters against a mobile quarterback and a Jaguars line dealing with its own injuries.

Charles Omenihu injury update: what the team reported and what it means

Team filings show Omenihu (ankle) practiced in full on Thursday, the first official report of the week due to the Monday kickoff. Full participation indicates he was able to take normal reps without limitations. The Chiefs’ daily logs also marked multiple offensive and defensive starters as full, including Patrick Mahomes (groin) and Mike Danna (quad), underscoring an overall healthier roster entering Week 5.

Omenihu played meaningful snaps in Week 4 and is trending to suit up in Jacksonville. In Steve Spagnuolo’s rotation, Omenihu typically aligns outside on early downs and kicks inside in sub-packages. His ability to generate interior pressure on passing downs was a key lever during the Chiefs’ last title run. If he’s active, Kansas City can preserve fresh legs across the line and keep matchups favorable against Jacksonville’s guards on obvious passing downs.

Depth matters here. If the ankle were to flare up, the Chiefs can lean on George Karlaftis, Mike Danna and rookie Ashton Gillotte on the edges, with Malik Herring mixing in. A healthy Omenihu, however, allows Spagnuolo to unleash more NASCAR fronts with four declared edge rushers on the field, a look that compresses the pocket and forces hurried throws.

On the other side, the Jaguars have dealt with defensive-line injuries of their own this week. That context raises the importance of Kansas City’s pass rush winning its one-on-ones and controlling passing downs. Trusted national outlets have also highlighted Jacksonville’s uncertainty up front, which could tilt the trench battle toward Kansas City if Omenihu is indeed full-go.

How this shapes the Chiefs’ Week 5 plan

Short term, a fully participating Omenihu points to continuity. Kansas City can keep its third-down packages intact, featuring twists and interior stunts where Omenihu’s length and first step create pick opportunities for teammates. Expect a steady snap share with potential spikes in two-minute and late-half situations.

Long term, keeping Omenihu active and effective through October helps manage workloads for Karlaftis and Danna, and gives the staff flexibility with game-specific plans. It also supports situational run defense on early downs, where Omenihu’s edge setting limits explosive perimeter plays and forces second-and-long.

Bottom line: Thursday’s full practice is a green light for now. Unless there’s a setback, the Charles Omenihu injury update points to availability for Monday night. That stabilizes Kansas City’s rotation and preserves Spagnuolo’s preferred pressure looks against the Jaguars.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Will Charles Omenihu play in Week 5?

All signs point to yes after a full Thursday practice. Official game status will be declared on the final report this weekend. Monitor for any late changes.

Q2: What is the nature of Omenihu’s injury?

He’s listed with an ankle injury. Full participation indicates the team is confident in his mobility and workload management heading into Monday.

Q3: How would the Chiefs replace him if he’s limited?

George Karlaftis and Mike Danna would shoulder most edge snaps. Ashton Gillotte and Malik Herring could see expanded roles, with more interior reps for Chris Jones in pass-rush packages.

Q4: Does Jacksonville’s injury situation affect this matchup?

Yes. If the Jaguars’ protection group is shorthanded, Kansas City’s pass rush gains leverage. A healthy Omenihu boosts the Chiefs’ ability to capitalize on mismatches.

Q5: When is kickoff and where?

Monday, October 6, in Jacksonville at EverBank Stadium. It’s the Week 5 Monday Night Football game.