The Kansas City Chiefs will get a boost to their already potent secondary this weekend with starting CB Bashaud Breeland returning from a four-game suspension.
Breeland started 18 games for the Chiefs in 2019, including their Super Bowl LIV win. His aspirations for the 2020 NFL season were derailed when the league handed Breeland punishment for a violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. After a reflective four weeks away from the team, he’s working to get into football shape and be available for the team in any way they need.
“The four weeks, it was a time for me to really work on myself—put the past behind me and really focus on what I can bring to this team this year to help us get back to the Super Bowl,” Breeland told reporters on Friday. “As far as getting in shape, it takes time to really get in football condition, but I’ve been working out throughout these four weeks, and I’m just ready to plug in wherever they’re ready for me to plug in.”
Revitalized and refocused, Breeland is ready to put the past behind him. He’s proud of what his team was able to accomplish in the first four weeks of the season and he’s excited to now officially be a part of the team’s success.
“It was a bittersweet moment really not being able to be out there,” Breeland said. “I was disappointed in myself for allowing my team to be there without me, but really seeing what they were doing, it really cheered me up at the same time. I really watched some good football, some guys doing some great things, and I was just excited to join back.”
Rashad Fenton, Charvarius Ward, L’Jarius Sneed and Antonio Hamilton have been stellar in Breeland’s absence. He was proud of his teammates in the cornerback room for their ability to step in and get the job done without him. He also wasn’t too surprised about what they achieved in those first four weeks.
“I was excited,” Breeland said. “The adrenaline rush from them, I was just ready to get back to join those guys. I knew during camp that those guys were going to do something special, that they had all the talent and the capability to really hold that spot down and really prepare the team to be something great. They shocked me for what they’re doing right now, but it’s a long road to go. I’m just happy to be a part of it so we can continue.”
The success of the Chiefs’ cornerback group has left some question of whether Breeland will see the field immediately in his return. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo mentioned that they might ease him back into action. Even though he was a starter in Super Bowl LIV, he might not necessarily be a starter in Week 5.
“I really trust my coaches and everybody in this organization to really put me in the best position for me and my career,” Breeland said. “Like I said earlier, working out, being out for four weeks, working out, you’re going to feel in shape as I do, but when it comes to football shape, it’s a totally different thing. I’ve been in this scenario before coming off injuries and having to sit for a while and then get into a game and full tilt. Those short breaths are going to come up real soon, but I just put my trust in my coaches and understand they’re going to put me in the best position possible.”
Whatever the case on Sunday against the Raiders, Breeland has faith that the coaching staff will put him and the team in the best position for success.
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