Kansas City Chiefs’ early training camp injury opens door for UDFAs to push for roster spots, free agent tryouts
A disappointing development for a promising young player with the Kansas City Chiefs. Ethan Downs’ ACL injury will open the door for other teammates, but it could also lead to fans getting the free-agent addition they’ve been asking for.
The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first significant injury of the 2026 NFL season on the opening day of training camp.
Chiefs defensive end Ethan Downs exited practice early with an apparent left leg injury during 7-on-7 drills, getting tangled up with rookie running back Emmitt Johnson in pass coverage during red zone work. Kansas City did not provide any updates on his status during the three-day head start at training camp for rookies, quarterbacks, and select players. Downs did not participate in Sunday or Monday’s practice sessions after exiting Saturday.
Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick reports that Downs suffered a torn ACL in his left leg. Downs was already making a push for the 53-man roster last season when the Chiefs elevated him from the practice squad for the final couple of games. He made a forced fumble against the Las Vegas Raiders on special teams in Week 18.
Entering the 2026 NFL season, Downs was competing for a hybrid linebacker/edge rusher role with potential depth value. The ACL injury will likely land him on injured reserve for Kansas City.
Downs originally entered the league out of Oklahoma as a UDFA in 2025. He was a teammate of rookie DE R Mason Thomas at the University of Oklahoma.
Downs’ setback reads as opportunity for other Chiefs undrafted free agents
The Chiefs have a three-way battle going on for their No. 2 edge rusher spot. However, the depth behind those players is now a bit of a mystery. Downs was the clear fifth option behind George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ashton Gillotte, and his former Oklahoma teammate Thomas. With Downs out of the picture, it is unclear who fills that role.
His absence has created a vacuum of sorts, with three players who could now potentially push for that roster spot. Undrafted free agent VJ Anthony, undrafted free agent Anthony Dunn, and practice squad player Tyreke Smith all stand to benefit from increased reps and opportunities throughout camp.
VJ Anthony & Anthony Dunn Quick Stats & Facts
Both players were among the UDFAs the team signed following the 2026 NFL Draft.
- VJ Anthony: 6-foot-6 and 258 pounds, Anthony is an edge rusher with inside/outside versatility. He led Duke with 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 13 starts in 2025.
- Anthony Dunn: 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, Dunn began his career at Florida A&M before transferring to Toledo. He appeared in 25 games, recording 57 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and six sacks over the past two seasons.
Those three players will now certainly see increased repetitions during training camp. However, Downs’ injury could also open the door for new additions to the team.
Chiefs could explore free agent options as well
Edge rusher depth has been a concern for Kansas City heading into 2026 training camp. Many fans believe the team has not done enough to reinforce the position. This injury could be the domino that causes the Chiefs to bring in players for tryouts or explore a proven veteran free agent. Several remain on the open market who would make sense on a one-year deal for Kansas City.
No matter how things shake out, this is a disappointing development for Downs, who appeared to have a promising immediate future in 2026. Whether it was making the 53-man roster or landing on the practice squad again, he was clearly trending in the right direction. This setback will take him out for the remainder of the season, and he’ll have to restart that path in 2027 if he remains with the team at that time.