Brandon Siler's Season-Ending Injury Opens Roster Spot with Kansas City Chiefs

When the Kansas City Chiefs signed free agent Brandon Siler from the San Diego Chargers, they expected he'd bolster their special teams performance and add depth to an already respectable linebacker corps.

Instead, Siler will captain Kansas City's injured reserve squad. Siler tore his Achilles' tendon in a goal-line drill on Tuesday, an injury certain to sideline Siler for the rest of the year.

As tragic as it is for any player to experience an injury, this could prove a blessing in disguise both for another player and the Chiefs as a whole.

With a short evaluation period, Kansas City's coaching staff finds themselves facing an even shorter decision-making window. What's more, a number of players on the current roster could merit lasting past the final cut.

In the receiver corps, the Chiefs already have a solid starting roster with Dwayne Bowe, Jonathan Baldwin and Steve Breaston—even if Baldwin allegedly busted up his hand on some part of Thomas Jones' body.

Beyond that, the waters cloud considerably. Veteran Jerheme Urban likely controls the fourth receiver position after last year's injury. That leaves a number of options for the fifth slot. Terrance Copper brings experience on special teams, while Jeremy Horne and Verran Tucker represent second-year players with developing potential.

Then there's Keary Colbert. A second-round pick from USC, Colbert joined the Chiefs nearly two years removed from being on an NFL team. Colbert's agent sent a tape to Kansas City's coaching staff, which brought an invitation to camp. All signs point to Colbert competing for a roster spot despite already-tight competition.

Siler's injury could provide a real chance for any of the younger players, or a real second chance for Colbert. This is especially true should Baldwin miss any of the regular season with his injury.

On the defensive side, Siler's absence could clear a place for a number of linebackers in what's become an equally tight competition. Cory Greenwood shows promise, particularly on special teams, while Cameron Sheffield is making up for lost time following a season-ending neck injury last year.

Rookie Gabe Miller presents another option for Kansas City's roster. Miller doesn't have any tackles this preseason, but consistently pursues the ball and rates as a long-term prospect. Miller likely rates as a practice squad member now, though he might not have had that chance with Siler squeezing players like Greenwood or Sheffield out.

Regardless of who it happens to, what team they play on, or how it affects your team's playoff chances, an injury never should be celebrated. But just maybe, something good can come out of an otherwise unfortunate situation.