The Kansas City Chiefs will be without Dontari Poe for the foreseeable future after the dominant defensive tackle recently underwent back surgery.
The surgery was to repair a herniated disc and was performed on July 15, according to Terez A. Paylor of The Kansas City Star, and he will arrive on Friday at St. Joe to start his rehab.
Poe had a successful surgery on July 15. Will be in St Joe Friday and have rehab.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 28, 2015
Paylor also noted Poe’s back was injured during OTAs, that he has received two epidurals since then and that Poe injured himself again at his home.
Trainer Rick Burkholder says DT Dontari Poe has had two epidurals. Hurt his back again at home, has a herniated disk in his back.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 28, 2015
This is a tremendous blow to Kansas City’s defense, and to Poe on a personal level.
The mammoth nose tackle has emerged as a dominant force in the NFL, both against the run and as a pass-rusher who can wreak havoc up the middle. He has totaled 10.5 sacks the past two seasons and has been a cornerstone player for the Chiefs during that time.
Back injuries can be tricky, and the fact that Poe has already injured himself at home isn’t encouraging. He’ll be getting the best care available with the Chiefs, however, and we hope he experiences a full recovery.
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