Deon Bush injury update: Kansas City Chiefs lose veteran safety for entire 2025 NFL season following Achilles tear, confirms head coach Andy Reid

The Kansas City Chiefs have been dealt a significant hit to their defensive depth in just weeks leading up to the regular season opener. Veteran safety Deon Bush will miss the entire 2025 NFL season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon during Saturday's preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Andy Reid confirmed. Deon Bush collapsed in the first half at State Farm Stadium while trying to change direction and push upfield. “Bush's injury was a noncontact one, too, as he fell to the turf when he tried to change directions and accelerate upfield. A few minutes later, Bush was consoled by coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes before being carted off the field. While on the cart, Deon Bush put a towel over his head,” wrote ESPN’s Nate Taylor. “Deon was having a good [training] camp, too,” Andy Reid said, per ESPN. “He's got to have surgery on it. It's too bad because he's been playing well. He's a good kid.” Deon Bush had suffered a torn Achilles tendon, Andy Reid confirmed. Deon Bush, 31, signed with Kansas City in 2022 and contributed to consecutive Super Bowl championships. Bush missed 11 games last year with an ankle problem but was hoping to fight for one of the final roster spots this offseason. His loss leaves the Chiefs thin at the secondary and special teams units, possibly forcing them to reshuffle before making final roster decisions. Bush's injury follows just a day after Detroit Lions defensive back Morice Norris was hospitalized after a collision with Atlanta Falcons running back Nathan Carter. Although Norris' status is still being watched, both accidents highlight the physical cost of preseason football. Also read: Patrick Mahomes backed by brother Jackson and family after being benched by coach Andy Reid in preseasonFor the Chiefs, Bush's absence takes an experienced, versatile component out of their defense and special teams unit. As Kansas City heads into the regular season, it will now need to turn internally—or to the free-agent realm—to fill the void.