Want to get Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Chenal off the field? It’s not so easy

To the list of positions played by Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal through two games this season, let’s add general manager — for his roster acumen.

“Being able to do what you’re asked to do, whether it’s playing defensive end, three-technique in short yardage or linebacker, fullback, it kind of adds half an extra spot to a roster,” said Chenal, the third-year pro. “I’m really hononed that I was called upon to do that.”

Chenal played all of those positions in last weekend’s victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. And now his range of skills must be accounted for by opponents, like the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football.

The new wrinkle last weekend? Chenal got two snaps with the offense as a fullback — in a four-point stance, no less. And in both cases, the play was a success.

They occurred on the same drive in the third quarter. The Chiefs faced a fourth-and-1 from the Bengals’ 37. In a jumbo package, Chenal lined up in the backfield to the left of Patrick Mahomes, with tight end Noah Gray to Mahomes’ right.

Chenal’s block sealed off a defensive end and enabled running back Carson Steele to pick up five yards.

The Chiefs moved to the 1, and on second down, in came Chenal — again at fullback. This time, Mahomes completed a tackle-eligible pass to offensive lineman Wanya Morris for the touchdown.

The final participation line for No. 54: two snaps on offense, 32 on defense and 17 on special teams. Chenal forced a fumble on the game’s first play, although the ball went out of bounds, and finished with six tackles.

A rushing attempt next time, perhaps? He did play running back in high school before his All-America career at Wisconsin.

Chenal isn’t sure, but he figures he will know once he receives his practice instructions.

“I do what the piece of paper tells me to that week,” he said.

It’s been a full page lately for Chenal.

“You can put him anywhere,” Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna said. “Linebacker, defensive end, nose tackle, fullback ... he’s a ginder, a hard-nosed player. He plays physical every single down. And he’s off to an amazing start.”

In the season opener, Chenal deflected two passes and came up with a tackle for loss in the Chiefs’ victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Chenal’s productive early returns continue a career trajectory that trended upward last season. He started 10 of 17 regular-season games and three of four playoff games, including the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Chenal ended the 49ers’ first possession by forcing a fumble from running back Christian McCaffrey. He was also credited with a blocked extra point in the fourth quarter. The latter play was critical, in that it kept the Chiefs’ deficit at three points, allowing them to tie the game with a field goal before winning it in overtime.

Expanding Chenal’s base linebacker role was in the cards this season when Willie Gay Jr. moved on in free agency. Getting Chenal snaps at other positions, especially at defensive end, takes advantage of his 6-foot-3, 250-pound frame and athleticism.

All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones saw it coming.

“It just shows you the body of work Leo has been putting forward, starting in training camp — and even the year before,” Jones said. “This year, there’s a little more trust in it. They’ve been moving him around and he’s been very effective for this defense.”