Although the Chiefs are yet to lose a game after 8 weeks of NFL action, they are facing losses somewhere else. And their latest loss comes in the form of a season-ending injury to their starting CB Jaylen Watson. Taking on the 49ers in week 7, the Chiefs saw Watson leave the game early with an ankle injury. While early visuals didn’t offer any respite to fans, Watson’s injury was later confirmed to be a fractured ankle.

With him out for the season and a surgery to start his recovery process. The following day, Watson took to X to share his first message since that unfortunate injury. All he did was post a broken heart emoji, thereby indicating his disappointment for getting sidelined early into the season.

Well, that wasn’t the only update he gave through his socials. As Watson shared a few snapshots of his ankle getting worked upon through a lag screw. Before his ankle injury, Watson played 90% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps this season. He even recorded 32 tackles over the six games alongside Trent McDuffie.

Without him, undrafted rookie Chris Rolland-Wallace was given the opportunity to play against the Niners. And the 22-year-old ended up earning praise from Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes for his first NFL interception in week 7. “He’s a good football player. He’s been like that since training camp, and you can see it. Some guys just have it, and you can see it from day one. He sits there and listens to Trent McDuffie talk. He’s gotten better and better each and every week, and he stepped up today whenever his number was called.”

However, in a season that is supposed to be historical for the Chiefs. They weren’t willing to take the risk and start rookies week in and week out. Instead, they went ahead and brought in a new pass rusher into their roster. Trading for fifth-year defensive end Josh Uche, the Chiefs sent a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to New England. Thereby taking a player from one of the worst NFL teams this season to the league’s best within a few weeks.

Patrick Mahomes expresses his excitement as the Chiefs add Josh Uche to their defense

Over the seven games Uche played for the Patriots, he recorded two sacks and 13 tackles, alongside three QB hits. His addition would bring a huge boost to the Chiefs’ defense, which has recorded one of the fewest sacks this season (15). Although they have just allowed 17.6 points per game, their defense could use someone like Uche’s pass-rushing capabilities. As Andy Reid explains, “We’ve had the benefit of having played against him, so we know he’s very aggressive and a good pass rusher. We’ll work him in with the defensive line rotation. As long as he can handle everything.”

Even reigning Super Bowl Champion QB Patrick Mahomes was excited to have an elite pass rusher in his team, “Obviously, a great pass rusher and someone who can really get to the QB, especially in those pass-rush situations. He does a great job of playing hard the entire time, too. It’s a great addition to an already great defense. His specialty will really be emphasized in this defense.” Although Uche’s numbers aren’t that attractive this season, the Chiefs would be hoping they can help him rediscover his form from the last two seasons. When he had a career-high 11 1/2 sacks with two forced fumbles.

The 26-year-old also has high hopes for himself making the switch from New England, “Being in New England for five years. I didn’t have the results and outcomes that I wanted. When I heard I was getting traded here. I was excited because I feel this scheme. This team and this organization is definitely going to help me maximize my potential.” Can the Chiefs really help Josh Uche play to his strengths in Kansas City? Well, they might, as Reid would surely have a plan for Uche as he kickstarts a new chapter in the NFL.