Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (neck), who was listed as questionable for the AFC Championship game on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, is officially inactive. It was reported earlier on Sunday that Gay was trending in the right direction to play against Baltimore, but the Chiefs coaching staff obviously felt he wasn't healthy enough to suit up with a trip to another Super Bowl on the line. The 25-year-old's absence is notable in the middle of KC's defense while they try to slow down likely MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens' potent offense. The good news is that safety Mike Edwards (concussion), who was also listed as questionable, will be available against the Ravens.
Willie Gay Jr. Trending Toward Playing Against Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (neck) is trending toward playing against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday in the AFC Championship game, according to a source. Gay couldn't finish the Divisional Round win over the Buffalo Bills last Sunday due to a neck injury and he was listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report leading up to the AFC Championship. The 25-year-old didn't take part in the team's practice on Friday, but it looks like he'll gut it out and play through a second straight questionable tag. However, it remains to be seen how effective he'll be as the underrated Chiefs defense looks to slow down likely MVP Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense. Having Gay out there will be a boost to KC's defense in a tough matchup on the road.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (neck) and safety Mike Edwards (concussion) are both questionable to play on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game. Gay was limited on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out of practice on Friday. Edwards missed practice Wednesday, was limited on Thursday and put in a full practice on Friday, leaving him more likely to be available for the Chiefs defense. An underrated KC defense could be forced to give more playing time to both Leo Chanal and Cole Christiansen this weekend if Gay is ultimately ruled out on Sunday. The Chiefs defense allowed the second-fewest points per game all year, behind only the Ravens, but they have a tall task on their hands in the AFC title game against expected MVP Lamar Jackson and an improved Ravens offense.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay (neck) is questionable to return to Sunday's playoff encounter with the Bills. Kansas City already lost Mike Edwards after he suffered a concussion early in the first quarter. However, neck injuries are never good, so the Chiefs could be without another one of their most dependable defensive options for the rest of the way versus the high-powered Bills offense.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay was suspended without pay for the next four games for a violation of the league's personal-conduct policy. Gay is eligible to return to the team's active roster on Monday, Oct. 17, following the team's Week 6 game against the Buffalo Bills. The 24-year-old was arrested in January on misdemeanor property damage charges, and his suspension will begin immediately, so he won't be available for the Week 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts. With Gay out for the next four games, Darius Harris is expected to start at weakside linebacker. In two starts this year, Gay had recorded 16 tackles (eight solo) and two passes defensed. He played 92 percent of the defensive snaps last Thursday against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Kansas City Chiefs opened the practice window for linebacker Willie Gay (toe) on Tuesday. It means that Gay will be eligible to come off Injured Reserve and play as early as Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. The second-rounder last season has yet to play this year because of his turf-toe injury, but he should eventually return to a starting role after he had 39 tackles and a sack in 16 games (eight starts) during his rookie season. Kansas City's defense is allowing 307 passing yards per game and 146 rushing yards per game through four games in 2021, so they could certainly use some reinforcements. Fantasy managers will want to avoid the KC defense/special teams in Week 5 against a Bills offense that has come alive the last two weeks.
Kansas City Chiefs rookie linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (knee) will not play in Super Bowl LV after undergoing surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his knee, according to a source informed of the situation. Gay will be on a four-month recovery timetable but should be ready in time for the start of the 2021 regular season. The 22-year-old from Mississippi State was selected with the 63rd overall pick in last year's draft and started eight of 16 regular season games, recording 39 tackles (three for loss), one sack, three passes defensed and one forced fumble. Gay hadn't appeared in a game for the Chiefs in the postseason, but his loss is a notable one for Kansas City's depth in the big game against Tampa Bay.
Willie Gay Jr. Will Have Opportunity To Make Big Impact
Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is high on rookie linebacker Willie Gay Jr. and would love to see him displace Anthony Hitchens or Damien Wilson in the starting lineup in 2020. Gay was selected with the 63rd overall pick in the second round in this year's draft, and his speed is what can set him apart on his new team. The Mississippi State alumni stands at 6-foot-1, 243 pounds and has the frame and thickness to hold up on the inside. He has the strength to be a great tackler at the next level, but needs to improve his body control and composure between the tackles. KC's defense is their weak spot, but Gay could help the middle of this Chiefs Defense take a step forward.
The Kansas City Chiefs have selected Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay Jr. with the No. 63 selection during the second round. This is a great pick for the Chiefs, who desperately needed to add to the linebacker position. Gay only played in five games for Mississippi State last season, but should be able to carve out a starting role on the Chiefs Defense. During his three seasons in college, Gay recorded 99 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks through 28 games. Gay has big-play ability and no hesitation in his game whatsoever. He should fit in nicely on the Chiefs defense in 2020.
