Kansas City Chiefs third-year LB Willie Gay Jr. made his first appearance since in Week 7 since serving his four-game suspension.
He played over 50% of the team’s defensive snaps in his first game action in four weeks. It seemed at times like the coaching staff was trying to ease him back into the swing of things after he missed so much time, but Gay Jr. felt he was physically and mentally prepared to get back on the field.
“Man, I felt like my strength coach did a great job keeping me in shape over the past couple of weeks,” Gay Jr. said. “So when I got out there, I was getting the flow of things again. Four weeks was a long time not being able to play football. I’ll tell you, you can run and lift weights all day, but when you’re really out there and your mind gets to roll you’re like, ‘ah, okay, let’s go.’”
He’d finish the game against the 49ers with the third-most tackles on the team with eight. Only Juan Thornhill and Nick Bolton had more combined tackles. He also recorded a half-sack ahead of the two-minute warning in the second corner.
Overall, Gay Jr. felt good about his return to action. He was appreciative of his level of fitness and of the opportunity to get back out there with his teammates.
“I didn’t get winded so I could have fun out there with the guys today,” Gay Jr. said. “I made a couple of plays and I was thankful to be out there. Came out of here injury free. So, hey, we had a successful day and a win.”
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