Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Andy Studebaker is likely to start in place of suspended teammate Tamba Hali in the Chiefs' Sep. 9 opener vs. the Atlanta Falcons, reports Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com.
Studebaker, a five-year NFL veteran out of Wheaton College (Wheaton, Ill.), has had a bit of a flair for the dramatic over the last few seasons. In 2009, he started in place of Mike Vrabel in a game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded two interceptions, one of which went for a touchdown. In 2011, he recovered a Phillip Rivers fumble to seal a Monday NIght Football victory over the San Diego Chargers. For what it's worth, Studebaker seems excited about the opportunity:
"I think in any situation, whoever it might end up being, you take opportunities how they come. You don’t know how they’re going to come. That’s why you work hard every single day, whether you’re a backup, whether you’re a starter because sometimes the team is going to need you."
Hali was suspended on Monday for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. A first-time Pro Bowl selection in 2011, he has racked up 26.5 sacks over the last two seasons.
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