Martinas Rankin Returns from COVID for the Kansas City Chiefs

In the middle of a critical stretch of the 2024 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs received a welcome boost when offensive lineman Martinas Rankin was cleared to return to team activities after a two-week absence due to a positive COVID-19 test. Rankin, a versatile lineman capable of playing both tackle and guard, had been a key reserve for the Chiefs’ offensive line, providing depth and flexibility amid a season marked by minor injuries to starters. His return not only strengthens the team’s frontline depth but also eases concerns about potential disruptions to an offense that relies on protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Martinas Rankin Returns from COVID for the Kansas City Chiefs explores the details of Rankin’s COVID experience, the impact of his absence, his recovery journey, and how his return fits into the Chiefs’ plans for the remainder of the season.

Rankin’s COVID-19 diagnosis came unexpectedly in early November, just days before the Chiefs’ Week 10 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles—a timing that forced the team to scramble and adjust its offensive line rotation on short notice. According to the Chiefs’ medical staff, Rankin first reported mild symptoms (including fatigue and a low-grade fever) during a team meeting, prompting immediate testing that confirmed the positive result. Under NFL COVID protocols, he was required to isolate for a minimum of 10 days and meet specific health benchmarks—including being fever-free for 24 hours without medication and testing negative twice—before being cleared to return. The diagnosis sidelined Rankin for two key games: the Eagles matchup and a Week 11 divisional clash with the Denver Broncos, both of which the Chiefs won, but not without challenges along the offensive line. “It was frustrating to be sidelined, especially when the team was in the middle of a big stretch,” Rankin said in his first media availability after returning. “I did everything I could to stay connected—watching film from home, texting with the other linemen—but nothing beats being on the field with the guys.” Martinas Rankin Returns from COVID for the Kansas City Chiefs notes that while the Chiefs managed to win without him, Rankin’s absence highlighted the importance of depth in an NFL season where health uncertainties remain a constant factor.

The impact of Rankin’s absence was most noticeable in the Chiefs’ offensive line depth, as the team was forced to rely on younger, less experienced players to fill reserve roles. With Rankin out, the Chiefs turned to rookie guard Wanya Morris and journeyman tackle Cam Erving to back up starters at tackle and guard. While Morris and Erving held their own in practice, their limited game experience made the Chiefs hesitant to use them in high-pressure situations during games. This forced the team to keep starters like left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and right guard Joe Thuney in the game for more snaps than usual, increasing their risk of fatigue or injury. In the Week 10 win over the Eagles, the Chiefs’ offensive line allowed three sacks—one more than their season average—and Mahomes was hurried on 12% of his dropbacks, up from his typical 8%. “Martinas gives us that flexibility to rest starters without worrying about a drop-off in performance,” Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck said during Rankin’s absence. “When he’s out, we have to adjust our rotation, and that can put more pressure on the guys who are in the game.” Rankin’s versatility was also missed: he’s one of the few Chiefs linemen who can seamlessly switch between tackle and guard, a skill that lets the team adjust to in-game injuries or matchup needs. Martinas Rankin Returns from COVID for the Kansas City Chiefs emphasizes that while the Chiefs’ offense didn’t collapse without Rankin, his absence created subtle vulnerabilities that opponents could have exploited.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, Rankin’s return is a timely reinforcement as the team enters the final month of the regular season, a period where depth and health often determine playoff seeding. The Chiefs, who are battling for the top spot in the AFC West, face a tough stretch of games in December, including matchups against the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers—teams with elite pass rushes that will test the Chiefs’ offensive line. Rankin’s ability to play multiple positions gives Heck more options to game-plan against these pass rushes; for example, he could line up at right tackle to spell starter Lucas Niang if Niang is struggling against a top edge rusher, or shift to guard to provide extra protection in short-yardage situations. “Having Martinas back is a big lift for our entire offense,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “He’s a smart player who knows our system inside out, and he can step in at multiple spots. That kind of flexibility is huge this time of year.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Rankin’s return also reduces the risk of overworking starters, ensuring that key players like Brown Jr. and Thuney are fresh for the playoffs. Martinas Rankin Returns from COVID for the Kansas City Chiefs notes that in a league where every snap matters, having a reliable reserve like Rankin can be the difference between a win and a loss in tight games.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ medical staff played a critical role in Rankin’s recovery, providing him with a personalized plan to stay in shape and mentally engaged while he isolated at home. The plan included daily virtual workouts with the team’s strength and conditioning staff, designed to maintain his strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness—key for an offensive lineman who needs to sustain physical play for 60+ snaps per game. Rankin also participated in team meetings via video call, ensuring he stayed up to date on the Chiefs’ game plans and playbook adjustments. “The medical staff and coaches did a great job of keeping me connected,” Rankin said. “I was doing workouts in my basement every morning, then jumping on Zoom for meetings in the afternoon. It wasn’t the same as being there, but it helped me stay ready.” Once Rankin was cleared to return, the medical staff eased him back into team activities, starting with light walkthroughs before progressing to full-speed practice reps. This gradual return was designed to prevent injury and ensure Rankin’s body was fully recovered from the effects of COVID-19. For the Kansas City Chiefs, this careful approach to player health is a priority—one that has helped the team maintain a relatively healthy roster compared to other NFL teams this season. Martinas Rankin Returns from COVID for the Kansas City Chiefs explores how the Chiefs’ focus on player recovery and well-being has become a key part of their success in managing through health challenges.

Looking ahead, Martinas Rankin’s return to the Kansas City Chiefs’ lineup will likely play a key role in the team’s push for a division title and deep playoff run. As the Chiefs enter December, Rankin is expected to resume his role as the team’s top offensive line reserve, rotating in at tackle and guard to keep starters fresh and provide stability if injuries occur. His presence also gives the Chiefs more flexibility to experiment with different line combinations in practice, helping the team prepare for a variety of defensive schemes they may face in the playoffs. For Rankin himself, the experience of returning from COVID-19 has reinforced the importance of staying ready, even when circumstances are out of his control. “This whole thing taught me to never take being on the field for granted,” he said. “I’m just grateful to be back with the team, and I’m ready to do whatever I can to help us win.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Rankin’s return is more than just the addition of a single player—it’s the restoration of a key piece of their offensive line depth, a factor that could prove crucial in their quest for another Super Bowl title. Martinas Rankin Returns from COVID for the Kansas City Chiefs concludes that while COVID-19 remains a challenge for NFL teams, the Chiefs’ ability to support Rankin through his recovery and welcome him back seamlessly is a testament to the organization’s commitment to its players—and to winning.