George Karlaftis: Everything you need to know

Karlaftis accumulated 48 tackles (25 solo), including 6.0 sacks, two pass defenses and one fumble recovery across 16 games in 2025 with the Chiefs. The fourth-year pro looked like he was on his way to a career year after opening the season with 4.5 sacks and 20 combined tackles through the first five games of the regular season. Karlaftis wasn't able to carry that momentum for the rest of 2025, but his combined tackles were one more than his previous career high set in 2023 across (16 regular-season games). The 2022 first-rounder signed a four-year, $93 million contract extension in July and will be a cornerstone of the Chiefs' defense for years to come.

Karlaftis (rest) is inactive for Sunday's contest against the Raiders, Matt McMullen of the Chiefs' official site reports. Karlaftis will get a breather in the regular-season finale with Kansas City already eliminated from the postseason. In his absence, Charles Omenihu is a top candidate to take over as a starter on the defensive line versus Las Vegas.

Karlaftis (rest) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the Raiders. Karlaftis was a limited participant throughout Week 18, but his injury status is listed as non-injured rest. The defensive end signed a four-year, $93 million contract with the Chiefs in July. The team may just be looking to protect a valuable asset ahead of the 2026 season, as Kansas City missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 campaign. If Karlaftis is inactive for Sunday's game, he will end the season with 48 tackles (25 solo), including 6.0 sacks, and two passes defensed through 16 games.