Leo Chanel carted off in Week 3 vs. Seahawks

Chenal was carted off the field in Sunday’s win over the Seahawks. This immediately looked like a serious injury after Chenal went down in the second quarter while trying to make a tackle. Chenal has feeling in all his extremities and is expected to make a full recovery, but his 2026 season is officially over. Chenal totaled nine tackles in the three games he appeared in this season.

Chanel was able to wave to the crowd as he exited, but obviously this is an injury that has potential long-term ramifications. He’ll likely be unavailable to go in Week 4 against the Colts in London.

The veteran linebacker notched 44 starts across 65 appearances for the Chiefs while on his rookie contract, a stretch that also included two Super Bowl wins. Chenal averaged 57 tackles and 1.8 sacks per season those four years and earns a significant raise with his new franchise. It is unclear where he is likeliest to play considering the team already has Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, but the kind of money invested hints at significant playing time.

Chenal (6'3/250) was a two-year starter who earned second-team All-American honors for his 2021 breakout campaign (115 tackles, 18.5 TFLs, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles). During the pre-draft process, Chenal ran a 4.53 40 with a 40.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-8 broad jump en route to a 9.99 relative athletic score. A muscle-bound power ‘backer with a relentless style, Chenal ricochets off block attempts, packs a wallop, and doesn’t miss tackles. He brings north-south thunder but lacks fluidity. You’re best off blitzing him every passing down because he lacks instincts in that phase and has a heck of a time staying within the vicinity of quick-footed opponents. He reminds us of recent first-rounder Jordyn Brooks, another tackling machine who can be an adventure in coverage.

Wisconsin has had a lot of players show out during the school’s pro day, including Chenal (6'2/250). According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, Chenal had 34 reps of 225 there. That would have landed atop all participants at the combine.

It’s been a crazy showing of athleticism today, with the LBs and DLs going off. Chenal (6'2"/250) is yet another example, and that level of explosion at that size is frightening. Some outlets have Chenal going in the first round based of his great year, totaling 115 tackles (18.5 for loss) and eight sacks in 2021. Combine that with a great showing at the athletic testing and things are looking very good for Chenal.

A name not normally seen in the first round of mock drafts, Renner has Chenal (6'2/250) going to the Patriots. Renner described the selection “Chenal isn’t for everyone’s scheme, but any of Belichick’s disciples will love the skill set he brings to the table. The Wisconsin product has the block-beating ability and football IQ to seamlessly replace Donta’ Hightower.” Chenal’s versatile skillset and high grades in both run defense (1st among linebackers per PFF) and pass coverage (2nd) should translate early and often in Belichick’s scheme.

The catalyst of the Badgers defense is heading to the NFL. Chenal (6'2/255) earned second-team All-American honors for the Badgers this year. He missed the first two games due to COVID-19 and still amassed 115 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks, which ranked second on the team. Chenal can do a little bit of everything but projects best as a three-down linebacker at the next level.

Chenal (6'2/250) was an absolute man amongst boys, and he single-handedly helped the Badgers turn the tide in this game. He registered a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss, and he forced a fumble on that sack at the Army 1, giving Wisconsin a super short field. QB Graham Mertz took advantage, going for the 1-yard plunge to give Wisconsin a 20-7 lead with 2:43 to go. Chenal has 30 total stops across three games. He’ll try to keep up the good work at Purdue next Saturday.

Chenal will miss the opener against Penn State and the Week 2 matchup against Central Michigan. “To all my friends and family, I have tested positive for Covid and will miss the next 2 games,” Chenal posted to Instagram. “That aside, I am excited to see the boys kill it today.” Chenal was an All-Big Ten honorable mention performer last year.