Schwartz announced his retirement Thursday via his personal Twitter account.

EDGE Analysis

Schwartz's decision comes after he sat out the entire 2021 season while recovering from back surgery. The 33-year-old offensive tackle suggested in his post that his back has responded well to rehab, though he's opting to preserve his long-term health by walking away from the sport. A four-time All-Pro selection, Schwartz began his career in 2012 as a second-round pick with the Browns and then joined the Chiefs ahead of the 2016 season before being released following Kansas City's loss to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV.

The Chiefs are releasing Schwartz (back) on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The team is also releasing left tackle Eric Fisher, who suffered an Achilles' tear during the playoffs. Schwartz, the Chiefs' right tackle, had already been on the shelf for a long time at that point, with a back injury shutting him down after Week 6 and ultimately requiring disk surgery in February. The 2012 second-round pick should find a market in free agency, considering he was a 16-game starter in each of his first eight NFL seasons. Chiefs GM Brett Veach said Schwartz should be ready for training camp, per James Palmer of NFL Network.

Schwartz (back) is expected to be healthy enough to participate in the start of training camp, James Palmer of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schwartz underwent a disk surgery in his back late February, but it looks like his expected recovery timetable won't keep him sidelined too long. Fellow starting tackle Eric Fisher (Achilles) isn't expected to be ready for practice until mid-August, however. 2021 will mark the final season of Schwartz's deal with the Chiefs.

Schwartz announced via his personal Twitter account that he underwent back surgery Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Schwartz last played Week 6, but he held off on surgery with the hope of returning for the Chiefs' playoff run. While he never made it back on the field, Schwartz said he'll be healthy for 2021, noting that the recovery process from his surgery isn't too bad. He's under contract with the Chiefs through 2021 -- his age-32 season -- with a reasonable cap hit of $9.85 million. Schwartz was a 16-game starter in each of his eight NFL seasons prior to 2020, primarily playing right tackle.

Coach Andy Reid said Monday that he's "not optimistic" Schwartz (back) will be available for Super Bowl LV against the Buccaneers on Sunday, Feb. 7, Nate Taylor of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Schwartz landed on IR due to a back injury mid-November, and he still has yet to be designated for even a return to practice. With Eric Fisher having just suffered a torn Achilles, it would be a huge boost for Kansas City to get the All-Pro right tackle back, but it doesn't look like Schwartz has much of a chance to return to the field in time for the Super Bowl in two weeks.

The Chiefs placed Schwartz (back) on injured reserve Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

The Chiefs will be without their All-Pro right tackle for at least three more games. Schwartz hasn't played since a Week 6 matchup against the Bills, and now he'll be required to sit out until Week 14 at the earliest. Mike Remmers (ribs) is expected to retain the right tackle role for the time being.

Schwartz (back) has been ruled out for Kansas City's upcoming Sunday night game against Las Vegas.

EDGE Analysis

The 2018 All-Pro hasn't made an appearance since Week 6, with a back injury keeping him inactive for three straight contests. Even afforded a Week 10 bye to recuperate, Schwartz was held out of practice entirely Thursday and Friday. Behind Schwartz at right tackle, Mike Remmers (ribs) has been dealing with injury himself, entering the weekend listed with a questionable designation after logging a full practice Friday.

The Chiefs activated Schwartz off the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The good news for the veteran was the cleared through the leagues virus protocols, however, he was sidelined during Thursday's practice due to a back issue. Schwartz will be available for Sunday's game against Las Vegas, but if the back issue is forced to keep him out of the game, Mike Remmers (ribs) or Yasir Durant would be in line for the start at right tackle.

Schwartz (back) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday as a high-risk close contact of someone who tested positive for the virus, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eric Fisher landed on the COVID-19 list in similar circumstances, so the Chiefs are currently without both starting offensive tackles. However, Schwartz and Fisher could both be back on the active roster in time for Sunday's game at Las Vegas.

Schwartz (back) will remain sidelined for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

No surprise here, as Schwartz has yet to even return to practice. The absence will mark his third consecutive game missed. The right tackle will now set his sights on a potential Week 10 return against the Raiders.