Injuries largely derailed the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2024-25 season, even though it ultimately still ended in a Super Bowl appearance. From Rashee Rice to Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown to Jaylen Watson to Isiah Pacheco, numerous high-impact players missed a significant chunk of time.
Keeping everyone healthy was one of the major goals going into camp and the preseason. This is a deep team and injuries are inevitable, though it’s always better to keep your full unit on the field than it is not to.
A few players have dealt with nagging ailments, like right tackle Jawaan Taylor, but some were more concerning. Linebacker Drue Tranquill missed a few practices due to a strained back, an injury that could get worse during the year. Fortunately, the Chiefs got some good news on Thursday morning regarding the 29-year-old veteran.
Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill (back) appears to be returning to practice today. pic.twitter.com/emhAnpnqW3
— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) August 7, 2025
Chiefs LB Drue Tranquill Returns to Practice After Back Injury
Jesse Newell of The Athletic captured Tranquill returning to practice after his back injury. It comes just two days before the team’s first preseason matchup, taking on the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, but it’s important for this defense to gel considering how difficult the early-season stretch is against the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Baltimore Ravens.
Tranquill plays a critical role as the top coverage linebacker for the unit. Nick Bolton handles running downs, Leo Chenal is a bit of a Swiss Army knife, and Tranquill is a veteran presence with the athleticism to cover guys out of the backfield. They complement each other well, so say nothing of fifth-round rookie Jeffrey Bassa, who has earned some first-team reps in Tranquill’s absence.
Now that Justin Reid is on the New Orleans Saints, there’s room for a new vocal on-field leader to emerge. Tranquill seems to be a logical fit, and he’s already respected in the locker room. Kansas City has a potential out in his contract following this year. Both he and Chenal could be fighting for each other’s jobs if Bassa impresses, making it even more important for Tranquill to find new ways to contribute to the team and prove his worth.
We don’t yet know if Tranquill will suit up on Saturday. Considering he just returned, it feels unlikely. Expect a healthy dose of Bassa and Cole Christiansen with Tranquill presumably getting work in the second matchup, assuming he’s good to go. Preseason football is finally here, and here’s hoping that Kansas City escapes with as few injuries as possible.
