Leo Chenal’s 2026 season is unfortunately over. The former Chiefs hybrid linebacker, now with the Washington Commanders, went down with a scary collision in Week 3 during a game *against our Seattle Seahawks*, leading to season-ending neck surgery. It’s a brutal blow for any player, especially this early in the year, and Chenal himself shared on X that “surgery went well.” That’s the only update we’ve got, but man, you gotta feel for the guy when a hit like that ends your whole damn season.
Rams’ New Cornerbacks Are Already Making Waves (And Missing Time)
While Chenal faces a long road back, some other former Chiefs are already proving their worth for new teams. Take the Los Angeles Rams, who grabbed two cornerbacks from Kansas City this offseason: Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. The Chiefs traded McDuffie for a “haul of draft picks,” and he’s been an absolutely vital part of the Rams’ secondary, playing mostly on the perimeter as a lockdown corner. Through five games, he racked up 16 tackles, 2 for loss, a pick, and 7 passes broken up. Pro Football Focus says he’s only allowed five catches on 18 targets, generating a ridiculously low 21.1 passer rating. That’s elite stuff!
But even star players get dinged up. McDuffie missed the Week 6 loss against the Arizona Cardinals due to a groin injury he picked up in practice, which clearly hurt the Rams as they fell to 2-4. Meanwhile, Jaylen Watson joined McDuffie in LA and has started opposite him on the outside, arguably making just as big an impact. He’s got 17 tackles, 2 for loss, and 5 passes broken up in five games. Watson had his own injury scare, dislocating his shoulder in Week 3 and missing Week 4. But get this: he came back strong, snagging an interception against the Buffalo Bills in his very first game back on the field. He’s allowed 12 catches over 20 targets, for a 71.5 passer rating. These two are gonna be a force to reckon with, and the Chiefs Kingdom will get to see them both when the Rams host Kansas City in Week 13 on “Thursday Night Football” in Los Angeles.
Elsewhere Around the League: Cook and Taylor
It’s not just the Rams making moves. Safety Bryan Cook found a new home with the Cincinnati Bengals and has been a staple in their back end during their 3-2 start. He’s got 17 tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery through four games. Cook did miss Week 4 due to an ankle injury but returned in a full-time role against the Miami Dolphins, logging five tackles. While he hasn’t made a ton of “splash plays” outside that Week 1 forced fumble, PFF notes he has a 12% missed-tackle rate. Cook and the Bengals are set to welcome the Chiefs in Week 14.
And then there’s right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who’s now anchoring the offensive line for the Atlanta Falcons. He’s started six games and has allowed 10 quarterback pressures, including two sacks, over 186 pass blocks. Early season always has its ups and downs, but it’s clear these former Chiefs are finding their way in new colors. We’ll be watching those matchups in Weeks 13 and 14 to see how they stack up against their old team. It’s gonna be spicy!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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