Andy

Studebaker

No word yet on the exact transgression. Hali is eligible to keep practicing and playing in preseason games, but will not be in uniform when the Chiefs host the Falcons on September 9. It’s a brief yet impactful blow to a rapidly improving defense. Hali has piled up 27 sacks and forced eight fumbles as a difference-maker the last two seasons. He’ll be replaced by Andy Studebaker in Week 1 and this suspension will cost Hali roughly $1.3 million (two game checks).

A veteran special teamer, Studebaker notched eight tackles last season. Studebaker has contributed on defense in the past, but saw just 56 snaps at linebacker in 2012. That made his $2.055 million salary untenable. Studebaker could eventually re-sign with Kansas City at a lower price.

A standout special teamer, Studebaker was injured on a punt near the end of the second quarter. His return is questionable.

Veteran special teamers like Studebaker need to be really good at their jobs because teams can find players to cover kicks for the bare-bones minimum.

He’ll help out on special teams for Weeks 15-17.

The move saves the Colts $885,000. Studebaker is purely a special teamer.

Studebaker will probably make it to the practice squad. Wilson couldn’t beat out Brent Celek to back up L.J. Smith. Reagor may be at the end of the line.

Studebaker will start at OLB in place of the injured Mike Vrabel (knee). The Chiefs signed him off the Eagles practice squad last November after the Eagles drafted him in the sixth round out of D-III Wheaton College in 2008.

“Next thing you know, he got super hot,” Heckert said. Studebaker played at D-III Wheaton College just outside of Chicago. The school averaged 3,931 in attendance per game. Studebaker will play special teams as a rookie.

The D-III product saw his draft stock soar because of a workout posted on Youtube. There will be a lot of Wheaton alums pulling for him to make the Eagles