The Kansas City Chiefs didn't have great news on Wednesday when it was announced that LB Tamba Hali broke his thumb last week against the Ravens and had surgery on it on Tuesday. His status for Sunday's game against Cleveland is uncertain.
#Chiefs LB Tamba Hali broke his right thumb during the game on Sunday. He had surgery yesterday. No update on when he'll be able to play.
— BJ Kissel (@ChiefsReporter) December 23, 2015
Frank Zombo would be the next man up. The hope is that he'll play vs. the Browns this weekend.
The plan is to play RT @AroundTheNFL: Chiefs LB Tamba Hali day to day after having 3 pins inserted into his thumb https://t.co/93snf2LJLw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2015
This is important because Justin Houston is not practicing so far this week which means he very well could be missing Sunday's game as well. The secondary has been terrific but both Hali and Houston are Pro Bowlers and they're the heart of the Chiefs defense. The Chiefs really would need one of their top two pass rushers even against the Browns. It sounds like there's hope that Hali can be available.
This probably doesn't affect his game because he's so good with his hands. As JJ Watt said when working with a cast on his hand, it poses some problems. Hali doesn't win with his brute strength - he uses his technique and hand fighting. This bears watching down the stretch.