The Kansas City Chiefs have made two practice squad elevations for Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons. Both elevations stem from injuries and recent roster changes.

The team announced on Saturday that it had activated RB Nate Carter and WR Jacob De Jesus via standard elevation. The decision to elevate Carter sets up a former Falcon for some revenge against his old team. Meanwhile, the move with De Jesus stems from Nikko Remigio’s departure and the need for a return specialist in both the kick and punt game, given the team’s injuries.

Chiefs RB Nate Carter gets a shot at his former team

Let’s start with Carter. The Chiefs ruled out starting RB Kenneth Walker with a groin injury, and questions remain about Jaydn Ott, who suffered a hamstring injury during practice this week. If Ott doesn’t play, that leaves only RB Emmett Johnson and FB Ben VanSumeren as the two players who could carry the ball in the backfield. That’s not enough depth, so the team decided to bring Carter up for Sunday.

Carter joined Kansas City’s 16-man practice squad on Sept. 1. He previously signed with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan State and appeared in seven games for Atlanta in 2025, picking up 60 yards on nine carries. The 5-foot-9 and 200-pound running back did not make the Falcons’ 53-man roster in 2026. He chose to sign with Kansas City instead of returning to Atlanta. The chance to go against his former team and potentially get some work is rare, and he should take full advantage of it.

The Chiefs often preach a next-man-up mentality, and this game will be a textbook example.

Why the Chiefs elevated WR Jacob DeJesus

The Chiefs signed De Jesus to the practice squad just the other week. However, he has plenty of history with Kansas City. He originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent out of Cal following the 2026 NFL Draft.

DeJesus spent the entire offseason workout program, training camp, and preseason in Kansas City, serving as one of the team’s kick and punt return options. He didn’t make the 53-man roster when cuts came around, and he wasn’t part of the initial practice squad either.

The need at return specialist became serious after the team moved on from Remigio last week. With Johnson now expected to take a lead role at running back, the Chiefs don’t just need a punt returner. They also need a kick returner, and DeJesus fits that role. He could also make a little bit of NFL history on Sunday as one of the smallest players to suit up for a game. De Jesus is listed at 5-foot-6 and 170 pounds.

Kansas City needs someone to step up in Atlanta

The Chiefs’ offense will need standout performances from a variety of players in Week 10. Walker, the engine behind the offense, has been ruled out, and other injuries and absences have piled up around him. Whether it’s Carter getting a crack at his old team in the backfield or De Jesus setting up the offense with good field position on special teams, Kansas City will need players to step up to leave Atlanta with a win.