When the Chiefs signed veteran offensive lineman Russ Hochstein, the thought was that the team needed someone to help cover for the anticipated absence of center Rodney Hudson in the coming weeks.
That was true, although it wasn’t clear at the time that they’d need that help for at least the next 14 weeks. Hudson has a broken leg and will miss the remainder of the season. The team did not consider using the injured reserve/recall option for Hudson, a second-round pick last year.
“It does not require surgery,” Crennel said, via Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. “He’s got to be off of it for several weeks and then has several weeks on crutches. It’s going to be most of the season, and that’s why he’s not going to be able to come back. By the time he gets back, the season is going to be over. I don’t know that we want to use that on him.”
The team also signed former Rams and Ravens offensive lineman Bryan Mattison. Mattison has experience at both guard and center, giving the Chiefs options going forward as they try to build the most effective offensive line. For now, they will stick with the lineup they used after Hudson’s injury last weekend. Ryan Lilja will play center with rookie Jeff Allen at Lilja’s old left guard spot.