NFL Network insider gives encouraging update on Kansas City Chiefs DE BJ Thompson

According to a new report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end BJ Thompson will begin the 2024 season on the non-football illness list, meaning he'll miss at least the first four games.

The good news is Pelissero also mentioned that the Chiefs are optimistic that Thompson will play at some point this season. Thompson suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest in a special teams meeting during minicamp back in June. The Chiefs' medical staff, as well as kicker Harrison Butker , responded swiftly until paramedics arrived.

Thompson awoken the next day and was released from the hospital four days later . He was able to attend the Chiefs' Super Bowl ring ceremony about a week later. While he obviously didn't participate, Thompson was able to spend some time with the team during training camp. Butker had the last update on Thompson's recovery back on August 7th.

"I missed him at the ring ceremony, but he was out here at a training camp practice, and obviously he's just thankful to be alive," Butker said. "He is so excited to be around the team. Can't wait to be back. I know he's maybe got a couple more, couple more weeks, but he's excited to be in the locker room again and feel the support from all his teammates."

While there could always be a setback, it appears that Thompson is recovering well and is beginning to ramp up to play football again. We've seen from Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin that it is possible to return to the field after suffering from cardiac arrest. Thompson is entering his second year and can still carve out an NFL career.

Thompson basically redshirted his rookie season, but showed some pass rushing ability during the 2023 preseason. Many believed he could take a step forward this year and push to become a bigger part of the Chiefs' pass rush rotation. Thompson has a quick first step off the line of scrimmage and was one of the best athletic testers during the 2023 NFL Combine.

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