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Chiefs Get Encouraging Injury Updates on Two Chiefs Veterans After Scares vs. Eagles


Kansas City, MO – September 15, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs left their primetime rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles with more than a narrow 20–17 defeat—they also had fresh injury worries along the defense. By Sunday night, though, the tone around Arrowhead was notably calmer.

Edge rusher Mike Danna exited in the second half and did not return, sparking initial fear of a hip issue. After postgame evaluation, head coach Andy Reid clarified that Danna tweaked his left quad, not his hip. Early indications point to a mild strain. There’s no firm timetable, but the team views him as day-to-day pending how he responds when practice ramps up this week.

Cornerback Kristian Fulton briefly left after rolling an ankle. Reid called it a “tweak”—often coach-speak for a low-grade sprain—adding that the staff will monitor swelling and stability over the next 48 hours. Given Fulton’s prior injury history in Tennessee, the Chiefs plan a cautious progression, but the expectation is short-term.

“You never want to see your guys leave the field like that—two spots that are tough to replace,” Reid said. “We’ll take a closer look in the morning; no excuses, next man up. I believe the guys fought their tails off and the staff adjusted the plan on the fly.”

Chiefs HC Andy Reid on loss to Eagles: 'I'll take full responsibility for  that game'

With Danna sidelined, Kansas City leaned on a heavier rotation up front. In the secondary, defensive calls shifted to protect a banged-up corner group until Fulton could return. Linebackers Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton took on added responsibilities in sub-packages, while rookie Ashton Gillotte saw situational snaps. The staff expects all three to be available as the week begins.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes acknowledged the defense’s injuries changed the game’s rhythm. “Field position and tempo swung a bit, so we had to be patient,” he said, crediting veterans for keeping the game within a field goal late.

Barring setbacks, the Chiefs believe both Danna and Fulton have a path to practice participation in some capacity this week. Kansas City sits at 0–1, with another high-leverage matchup looming. Even a brief absence would tighten the margin for a defense that prides itself on depth and communication—but Sunday’s updates suggest relief, not alarm, as preparations resume.

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Cowboys Reunite with a Former Starter, Bolstering a Battle-Tested Defense for the Stretch Run
Dallas, TX – In a surprising yet strategic move, the Dallas Cowboys have officially signed linebacker Luke Gifford on the afternoon of October 8, 2025, just hours after the San Francisco 49ers decided to cut the veteran. The one-year, $3.5 million deal (with performance bonuses up to $1.5 million) marks an emotional homecoming for Gifford to the franchise that launched his career, while also plugging an urgent hole in Dallas’ linebacker depth after multiple injuries out of Week 5.   Gifford, 29, was a reliable glue piece for the Cowboys from 2019 to 2022—an undrafted gem who carved out his role on special teams and situational defense in the star and stripes. After leaving Dallas, he spent time with the Tennessee Titans (2023) and 49ers (2024–2025), earning a reputation as a smart, assignment-sound linebacker who can play WILL/SAM and contribute immediately on kick coverage and sub-packages.   With San Francisco this year, Gifford appeared in four games before Tuesday night’s roster shuffle left him as the odd man out. Dallas pounced. “Luke knows our standard and our language,” head coach Mike McCarthy said after practice. “He’s tough, dependable, and versatile. Given where our linebacker room is right now, he’s exactly the kind of veteran who can stabilize us fast.”   For the Cowboys—leading the NFC East at 4–1 but juggling availability at linebacker—this is timely triage and culture reinforcement. Defensive coaches value Gifford’s communication and angles in space; special teams coordinator notes he can step in on all four core units immediately. Gifford, moments after signing, posted on X: “Back where it started. Let’s work. #HowBoutThemCowboys #DC4L”   Cowboys Nation erupted online as #GiffordReturns trended across the Metroplex, with many fans framing it as a subtle flex against the 49ers—Dallas’ recent playoff nemesis. NFL Network panels speculated Gifford could suit up as early as this weekend if paperwork clears, logging early snaps on special teams and dime looks while the staff ramps him into the defensive packages.   Beyond the depth chart math, the message is clear: Dallas is moving decisively to protect its defensive identity and keep the NFC East lead. If Gifford brings the same reliability and edge-setting discipline he showed in his first stint, the Cowboys may have found the steadying piece they needed for a stretch run.   Can Luke Gifford’s homecoming spark a sturdier second level and help Dallas tighten the screws in crunch time? We’ll know soon enough. #CowboysNation #DallasCowboys #HowBoutThemCowboys