Our Chiefs Player of the Game in preseason matchup vs. Cardinals left no doubt that he’ll make Kansas City’s 53-man roster

Statement made.

Nick Roesch — NFL Trending News Writer
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan (85) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan (85) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs’ first preseason game of 2025 is in the books, falling short to the Arizona Cardinals 20-17.

As expected, the Chiefs’ first-team offensive and defensive units didn’t see much action. We got a long look at the players who are fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster for the regular season. One who all but solidified that he will make it was tight end Robert Tonyan, who is our Player of the Game.

Tonyan, or “Big Bob” as Travis Kelce calls him, caught a team-high three passes for 49 yards. He has looked great throughout training camp, and is the clear-cut No. 3 tight end behind Kelce and Noah Gray. Tonyan’s veteran experience, combined with being healthy and having spent time on K.C.’s practice squad last season, has paid off in a big way.

Tonyan is a nine-year NFL veteran. He had some productive years with the Green Bay Packers, including in 2020 when he tied with Kelce for the most receiving touchdowns among all tight ends with 11. Tonyan was the only Chief that joined Kelce at Tight End University during the offseason.

A torn ACL that he sustained in 2021 set Tonyan back. Since then he has spent time with the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. Tonyan appears fully healthy now, and hungry to continue his career. K.C. has had a revolving door at TE behind Kelce and Gray over the past couple of seasons, so Tonyan could provide some stability as both a blocker and playmaker.

Behind Tonyan on the depth chart are Jared Wiley, Jake Briningstool, Tre Watson, and Geor’quarius Spivey. It’s possible that the Chiefs decide to keep four TEs on the 53-man roster, but not guaranteed. Of those four, Wiley would likely be the one who is kept.

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