Despite having a changing roster of defensive players, the 49ers have enjoyed a lot of success. But what happens when one of those guys leaves for better opportunities and has to face their former employer? If you’re Charles Omenihu, you’re eagerly anticipating the payback game.
The former San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman is slated to face his former team in 2024. In his second season with the Kansas City Chiefs, the champions will face their Super Bowl LVIII opponent during the 2024 NFL regular season. What makes this meeting so crucial for Omenihu is that he finally gets to play against the 49ers after losing out on the opportunity the previous two months.
“I saw our schedule, and the 49ers are on it next year. I’m thinking it’ll be around the time I return [from his ruptured ACL], because I really want to be available for that game, Omenihu stated on “Up And Adams” this week.
Charles Omenihu, 26, suffered a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens the week before. The injury ended his impressive first season with Kansas City, when he recorded a career-high seven sacks in 11 regular-season games in 2023. The Houston native, who hopes to be fit in time to face his former squad, is eager to make his presence known in Kansas City.
Omenihu signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Chiefs during the 2023 offseason. He spent one and a half seasons with the Red and Gold until being dealt to the West Coast by the Houston Texans at the 2022 trade deadline. He developed into his role under defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, becoming a key rotation player in the pass rush.
During his stint with the 49ers, he appeared in 32 games and recorded eight sacks and 29 tackles. He also forced two turnovers and made four pass breakups. Unfortunately, his time in San Francisco came to an end when his contract expired, and he moved on to other opportunities.
Other former 49ers have followed suit in previous years, with a major exodus expected in 2024. Arik Armstead, Randy Gregory, Chase Young, and Javon Kinlaw are among the defensive linemen mentioned.
