Chiefs Still Determining Best Role for L’Jarius Sneed as Regular Season Nears

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — L'Jarius Sneed is back in Kansas City, but exactly where the veteran defensive back will line up when the regular season begins remains an open question.

The Chiefs continue to evaluate how Sneed fits into a secondary dealing with injuries and several moving pieces as the preseason winds down.

Sneed has been limited while dealing with a knee issue and

has not played during the preseason.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo discussed the secondary Tuesday and emphasized the value of having players capable of lining up at multiple positions.

Sneed certainly fits that description.

During his first four seasons with Kansas City, Sneed developed into one of the NFL's more versatile defensive backs, playing outside cornerback while also moving inside and contributing as a blitzer.

He returned to the Chiefs this summer after spending the previous two seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

Kansas City originally selected Sneed in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

His first stint with the Chiefs included two Super Bowl championships and one of the biggest defensive plays of Kansas City's recent postseason run — a goal-line forced fumble against Baltimore in the 2023 AFC Championship Game.

Sneed's return gives Spagnuolo another experienced option in a secondary that also includes a number of younger defensive backs.

However, the Chiefs appear to be taking a cautious approach with Sneed's knee as they prepare for the regular season rather than pushing him onto the field during preseason games.

His familiarity with Spagnuolo's defense should help make that approach possible.

Where Sneed ultimately lines up could depend in part on the health and development of the rest of Kansas City's secondary over the next few weeks.

The Chiefs wrap up their preseason Friday night against Seattle before beginning preparations for their September 14 regular-season opener against Denver.