Article by – Cole Schrot (@coleschrot2329 – Twitter {X})
The Chiefs trimmed their 16-man practice squad on Wednesday after the roster was knocked down to 53 the day before. Today we will analyze the practice squad and look at any surprising additions and omissions.
IN HOUSE ADDS
Prince was an early training camp favorite of Chiefs fans but didn’t stand out in the preseason games. Prince lost his starting Kick Return spot to Richie James Jr., which sealed his inevitable fate. Smart move by KC to keep him around on the practice squad, as his potential based on his size and athletic profile alone makes him worth keeping around.
Powell had his best camp as a Chief this year, but it was overshadowed by an extremely deep wide receiver room with standout performers like Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Justyn Ross. Look for Powell to be elevated for some games this year if any injuries come forth. Powell should be in the mix for a roster spot next year if signed to a futures contract at season’s end.
Godrick technically doesn’t count towards the Chiefs’s 16-man practice squad as international pathway players count as an exemption, allowing the Chiefs to have a 17th player on their practice squad. Godrick showed potential during the preseason as an athletic tackle prospect, and the Chiefs would have had no reason to get rid of him since keeping him doesn’t even use up one of the 16 spots.
Reiter is a reliable depth option for the offensive line, as he can play both center and guard. He has the full trust of the coaching staff. If injuries were to pile up on the offensive line, Reiter is a great stash as he could comfortably step in and play significant snaps.
Some would say Danny Shelton was a surprise cut, as he outplayed starting DT Derrick Nnadi in training camp. However, the Chiefs opted to trade for DT Neil Farrell from Vegas on cutdown day. Shelton had a great camp, looking much better than he did last year. I would not be surprised if Shelton was one of the Chiefs’ week 1 practice squad elevations if Chris Jones doesn’t report in time.
A slight surprise addition to the Chiefs’ practice squad over the likes of Daniel Wise and Josh Kaindoh, Chris Williams offers more depth on the defensive line. He has true NFL playing experience, as he played for Indianapolis from 2021-2022 (107 defensive snaps).
Another surprise cut, Perine was thankfully not picked up by any team and is likely going to be elevated for some games this year. Perine showed to be ahead of Deneric Prince in the preseason and is the next man up to the roster in the RB room.
Oladokun quietly had a very solid preseason other than his interception versus the Saints. He has the ability to extend the play, make off-schedule throws, and has confidence which is very noticeable in his play style. Many QB4s would not be taking the risks Oladokun takes, but he showed no fear and made some super exciting plays in the preseason.
Kinnard was a player I believed might get claimed on waivers, but he wasn’t. The Chiefs are lucky to have him back as he showed improvement in his sophomore preseason as a guard. Kinnard being cut wasn’t necessarily a reflection of his game, but more a reflection of how deep the Chiefs’ offensive line truly is.
I predicted Deon Bush would make the 53 as S #5, but the Chiefs likely had a pulse on Bush being an easy practice squad add as he didn’t have to go through waivers as a veteran. Count on Bush as an elevation specifically for his special teams value in multiple games this year.
Jones was touted as one of the Chiefs best UDFA grabs this offseason but had a somewhat quiet camp and preseason. The Chiefs must see a bright future in Jones, as he was kept over the likes of Josh Kaindoh and Daniel Wise who both outperformed him in camp.
Christiansen was around on the Chiefs practice squad last year and had a decent camp this season. Christiansen isn’t the most athletic linebacker, but is a strong tackler and will have a role on kickoff coverage if elevated.
Matt Bushman became a fan favorite in the preseason last year, before getting hurt and stashed on IR. Bushman comes into the season this year healthy after another solid camp and snags a place on the practice squad as TE4 after the loss of Jody Fortson for the season.
DT – Matt Dickerson
The Chiefs loaded up on defensive tackle on their practice squad, with Dickerson being the 3rd one added. Dickerson was with KC last preseason before being claimed on waivers by Atlanta and spending the entire season with them. The Chiefs brought back Dickerson this offseason and he initially made the Chiefs 53 but was demoted to the practice squad after the claim of CB Darius Rush.
One of the coolest stories of preseason/training camp, Ekow Boye-Doe was a tryout signing from rookie minicamp and paved his way into getting 2nd team CB reps in preseason games.. and played well in those games. Some had him making the 53 after injuries to Nic Jones and L’Jarius Sneed. Boye-Doe definitely showed Chiefs Kingdom his potential as a Steve Spagnuolo DB as he is not afraid to be physical despite being only 170 pounds, and is a remarkable athlete with a 40 time in the 4.3 range.
OUTSIDE ADDITIONS
CB – Keith Taylor Jr. (2021 5th round pick; Carolina Panthers)
Keith Taylor is another good young addition to the DB room with experience. Taylor has started in 5 games in the last 2 seasons in Carolina, while still being only 24 years old. The combination of youth, experience, and size (6’2 190) makes Taylor a great addition to the practice squad in KC.
WR – Montrell Washington (2022 5th round pick; Denver Broncos)
Montrell Washington was the starting kick and punt returner for Denver last year, but with the likes of former Chief DB/KR Tremon Smith and WR/KR Marvin Mims added to the squad in Denver, Washington was the odd man out. This gives Dave Toub another young special teams player to work with, with a full season of starting return experience.
NOTABLE PLAYERS NOT INCLUDED
DE Joshua Kaindoh
QB Shane Buechele
CB Dicaprio Bootle
CB Lamar Jackson
S Anthony Cook
DT Daniel Wise
RB/WR Jerrion Ealy
WR Ty Scott
The Chiefs may have one of the best practice squads in the NFL, with a mix of plenty of recent draft picks, and players who have played significant snaps in the league. We wish these players the best of luck, as many of them belong in the NFL whether it is on another team’s active roster or practice squad.
