The Kansas City Chiefs officially set their initial 16-man practice squad ahead of the season, rolling out the roster additions in two separate waves according to franchise announcements. The team initially locked in 12 players on Monday before adding four more on Tuesday, shaping a developmental group that blends undrafted rookies with experienced depth pieces.
Running Backs and Fullback Depth
According to team announcements, the group includes an undrafted rookie from Oklahoma who logged nine offensive snaps—all during the opening preseason exhibition—turning two catches into 40 yards. Coaches may have purposely stashed the young runner through the second and third weeks of the preseason.
Joining him is a second-year back from Michigan State who picked up 60 yards across nine rushing attempts for the Atlanta Falcons last season. The unit also welcomes a fourth-year fullback who initially entered the league as a linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Wide Receiver and Offensive Line Reserves
At wide receiver, the practice squad features a standout from the University of Washington who caught attention during training camp by matching his Pro Day 40-yard dash time of 4.28 seconds. Another prominent addition brings strong family ties to Kansas City, making him a natural fit over other potential landing spots.
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Up front, the offensive line additions include an undrafted rookie from Louisville who logged 182 preseason snaps across multiple positions: 36 at left guard, 85 at center, and 61 at right guard, as tracked by Pro Football Focus. A third-year lineman from Marshall rounds out the blocking depth, having spent time at both tackle spots while surrendering just three pressures over 57 pass-blocking snaps.
Defensive Line and Linebacker Corps
Along the defensive front, the Chiefs added the heaviest player from their offseason roster—an undrafted rookie from the University of Texas who will develop behind active-roster nose tackles Khyiris Tonga and rookie Bryson Eason. They are joined by the oldest player on the practice squad, along with a second-year edge defender from Ohio State who spent camp competing for a bottom-of-the-rotation spot.
The linebacker room adds two trusted veterans known for providing immediate special teams coverage when called up to the active roster.
Pro Tip: Practice squad rules allow teams to elevate veterans like Cole Christiansen and Cam Jones to the game-day roster without requiring permanent roster moves, giving coaching staffs crucial flexibility for special teams units.
Secondary and Defensive Backs
The defensive backfield features four players, led by a fifth-year safety from Ohio State with six games of NFL experience across the 2023 and 2024 seasons. An undrafted rookie cornerback from the University of Louisiana-Monroe earned praise during the preseason for his physical play at the catch point, standing at six feet tall with 200-pound size and 32-inch arms.
Another safety from Nebraska earned consideration after a tight battle with rookie Xavier Nwankpa for the final spot on the initial 53-man roster. Rounding out the group is a defensive back who provides immediate depth in the slot following roster adjustments that saw Kevin Knowles claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players are on the Chiefs practice squad?
The Kansas City Chiefs initially signed 16 players to their practice squad, announced across two waves on Monday and Tuesday.
Are practice squad rosters final?
No, practice squad compositions remain subject to change following ongoing waiver claims and roster evaluations.
Can practice squad players participate in regular-season games?
Yes, teams can elevate practice squad players to the active game-day roster under league rules.
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