Tamba Hali's Suspension Is A Major Blow To The Chiefs

It's just one game. Just one game.

That's what's keeping me sane right now with the news that Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali has been suspended. The NFL says he violated the policy on substance abuse and has been suspended one game. Chiefs GM Scott Pioli issued a statement saying he was "disappointed".

That's all we know right now. We don't know what substance he took to get suspended. We don't know when he was tested. And we don't know who will replace him for the Falcons game.

Hali can continue to practice and play in the preseason so this won't affect his preparation for the season that much. He can and will still be physically ready to play.

But this is a major blow for at least one game. Hali is the most important player on the Chiefs defense and I'm not sure it's really even close. He's easily the biggest source of pass rush and, until we see Justin Houston continuing his progression, he's one of the only consistent pass rushers for the Chiefs.

Behind Hali on the Chiefs most recent depth chart is Cameron Sheffield and then Edgar Jones. Sheffield is currently injured. Jones joined the team during training camp. On the other side, Justin Houston is the starter and he's followed by Andy Studebake and Gabe Miller.

It's just one game so the impact is limited but for that one game this is a huge deal.