When the Kansas City Chiefs signed Alex Okafor back in 2019 they had envisioned him as a complement to Frank Clark. For the majority of that season, that’s exactly what he was until he suffered a season-ending pectoral injury. So far in 2020, Okafor has seldom been available to play due to two separate hamstring injuries. Injury has been the story of his career in Kansas City.
The veteran defensive end recently returned from injured reserve, feeling healthy and refreshed. He saw his first action in his return against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 11, playing 22 snaps. On Friday, Okafor spoke to the media, voicing his frustrations while sidelined by the various injuries.
“It’s just frustrating, man,” Okafor told reporters. “Going over the past two years, the injuries have been frustrating, but all you can do is look forward. I’m healthy, we’re 9-1, who wouldn’t want to be in the position I’m in? That’s what I’m looking at. Our defense, we’re still getting better. There’s plenty of opportunity for me to come in and help this defense and that’s what I’m looking forward to. I’m looking forward and I’m just moving forward as well.”
There is a silver lining to Okafor’s injury troubles this season. He returns to the team as fresh as can be, which could prove to be important as the depth at the position has taken hits throughout the year. Most recently, the team lost Taco Charlton for an extended period of time with an ankle fracture.
“Yeah, absolutely,” Okafor said. “You know how it is, you get to this point of the season and it seems like everybody is missing a few pieces. Especially along the offensive and defensive line. For this team to be able to pick up a healthy piece within myself, I think it’ll be an advantage for us and an advantage for me. I’ll be able to go longer and be fresher towards the end and I think that’ll be huge for me.”
In this upcoming game, Okafor knows the importance of getting pressure on the quarterback. In 2019, during one of his final games prior to his injury, Okafor secured a key sack, holding Tom Brady and the Patriots to a field goal. It doesn’t matter that Brady is with a new team, he knows that pressure can is the only thing you can do to affect him.
“It’s everything,” Okafor said. “You have to get pressure in the middle of the pocket. I think the whole NFL knows that. Tom Brady is the GOAT. He’s the best quarterback that has ever played this game. The only way to affect him is to push through the middle. We know that, everybody else knows that. Now, we’ve got to get it done.”
In the end, Okafor is happy to get back out there with his teammates. He won’t dwell on the past and he’ll make the most of his opportunities moving forward no matter what the future holds for him in Kansas City.
“I’m happy with the opportunity I have,” Okafor said. “I can help this D-line and I can help this team and that’s what I plan on doing.”
Okafor can help execute that plan beginning on Sunday with a big game against Brady and the Bucs.
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