The Chiefs just lost Omarr Norman-Lott — but whispers inside the locker room hint at a bold fix no one saw coming.QQ
Kansas City Chiefs DE Mike Danna could be part of the solution following the injury to Omarr Norman-Lott.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie DT Omarr Norman-Lott’s 2025 NFL season is over after the team placed the second-round draft pick on season-ending injured reserve with an ACL injury.
His rookie campaign will end with him appearing in just five games, recording five total tackles, one tackle for loss, and one sack. As the team began preparations for their Week 8 game on “Monday Night Football” against the Washington Commanders, Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke about the defensive tackle position and the loss of Norman-Lott for the season.
The New York Jets NEED to make a quarterback change in order to be successfull in 2026 and beyond…The New York Jets NEED to make a quarterback change in order to be successfull in 2026 and beyond…
“I’m good with where we’re at, although I thought Omarr (Norman-Lott) was coming on, for sure,” Reid told reporters on Tuesday. “He was — he’s going to be a good football player after he gets this thing (ACL injury) worked on.”
Despite the temporary setback, the future is still bright for Norman-Lott in Kansas City. As for the defensive tackle position, the Chiefs might already have a unique plan in place to help offset the seven to 22 defensive snaps per game they’ll be missing with Norman-Lott on injured reserve.
Chiefs might use DE Mike Danna inside with greater frequency
Chiefs DE Mike Danna is known as one of the team’s pound-for-pound strongest players. That’s why Steve Spagnuolo often plays the 6-foot-2 and 265-pound defensive end on the defensive interior for high-leverage snaps, like goal-line situations. That versatility is one of the reasons the team re-signed the former fifth-round draft pick to a three-year deal ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
With Norman-Lott’s injury, the Chiefs might have to get creative with their personnel usage. That includes the potential for more snaps for Danna along the defensive interior.
“So, Mike (Danna) does (play defensive tackle),” Chiefs HC Andy Reid said on Thursday. “He jumps in there. And, I mean, he does now. He gets snaps in there, but he’s an option for sure. He’s a good football player.”
Chiefs DL Mike Danna’s Interior Snap Distribution (via PFF):
- Defensive Left Tackle: 6
- Defensive Right Tackle: 10
- Nose Left Tackle: 2
Ultimately, you probably don’t want Danna playing an outsized share of the snaps vacated by the rookie Norman-Lott. However, he can certainly supplement whatever you get out of a practice squad elevation or trade acquisition.View
