Latest Kansas City Chiefs 53-man roster, practice squad projection following preseason Week 1
The Kansas City Chiefs fell 26-13 to the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in preseason Week 1.The reigning Super Bowl champions have just four more training camp practice sessions at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. Before you know it, Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season will be here and the quest […]
The Kansas City Chiefs fell 26-13 to the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in preseason Week 1.
The reigning Super Bowl champions have just four more training camp practice sessions at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri. Before you know it, Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season will be here and the quest for the three-peat will be on. What did I learn about the Chiefs' roster during my time at training camp and after Week 1 of the 2024 NFL preseason?
Here's a look at our latest 53-man roster projection (find the previous projection here):
Note: Players with a single asterisk (*) are 2024 draft picks. Players with double asterisks (**) are reported 2024 undrafted free agents.
Quarterback (2)
On the 53-man roster: Patrick Mahomes and Carson Wentz
Practice squad: Chris Oladokun
Cut: Ian Book
How we got here: This one is self-explanatory. After seeing Ian Book play in the preseason and training camp, I'm no longer of the opinion that he'll land on the practice squad. Oladokun, however, is a worthy No. 3 quarterback for Kansas City.
Running back (4)
On the 53-man roster: Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Deneric Prince, Carson Steele**
Practice squad: Louis Rees-Zammit**
Cut: Keaontay Ingram and Emani Bailey**
How we got here: Deneric Prince has taken a clear step forward and his value as a pass-catcher could be big this season. After Carson Steele's big game in preseason Week 1, he should make the 53-man roster. Louis Rees-Zammit is still a work in progress, but he flashed some ability on special teams. I still think that he's a longshot to make the 53-man roster, but I think Dave Toub could save him at the buzzer if he stands out there.
Tight end (3)
On the 53-man roster: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Jared Wiley*
Practice Squad: Baylor Cupp** and Geor'Quarius Spivey**
Cut: Irv Smith Jr.
How we got here: I just haven't seen enough from Irv Smith Jr. to warrant a 53-man roster spot. I wouldn't be shocked if the Chiefs flip him during 53-man roster cuts and address a weaker position. Keeping Carson Steele means that Noah Gray can really hone in on being a great tight end without all the extra fullback/wingback responsibilities. Baylor Cupp and Geor'Quarius Spivey have skill sets worth developing, so hopefully they make it to the practice squad.
Wide receiver (7)
On the 53-man roster: Rashee Rice, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, Xavier Worthy*, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and Nikko Remigio
Practice Squad: Montrell Washington and Justyn Ross
Cut: Kadarius Toney, Cornell Powell, Phillip Brooks**, and Kyle Sheets**
How we got here: With the injury to Hollywood Brown, I'm much more confident the Chiefs keep seven receivers. I also think that it probably saves Skyy Moore's neck, whereas I was previously concerned that he might not make it. I get the sense that the Chiefs have had it with Kadarius Toney and his inability to stay on the field, but we'll see if he can change some minds in the next few weeks. As much as I personally dislike it, I think Nikko Remigio makes it over Justyn Ross because of his ability on special teams. I could see there being an argument to Ross making it over Mecole Hardman, but I also think the Brown injury could play a factor there.
Offensive line (9)
On the 53-man roster: Kingsley Suamataia*, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Mike Caliendo, Wanya Morris, Lucas Niang, and Hunter Nourzad*
Practice squad: C.J. Hanson*, Jason 'Chu' Godrick and Ethan Driskell**
Cut: Nick Torres**
IR: McKade Mettauer**
How we got here: I think that nine is the magic number for the offensive line this year. I have Mike Caliendo making it over the rookie draft pick C.J. Hanson just because he seems to have more positional flexibility. Hanson looks best at right guard, but he's probably a year away from making a tangible impact. Morris and Niang can both play guard and tackle. Nourzad has three-position versatility and is probably the team's best backup center already.
Defensive line (9)
On the 53-man roster: George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Malik Herring, Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Neil Farrell Jr., Mike Pennel, Tershawn Wharton
Practice squad: Truman Jones and Fabien Lovett**
Cut: Matt Dickerson, Alex Gubner** and Owen Carney
Reserve/PUP: Charles Omenihu
Reserve/NFI: BJ Thompson
How we got here: I have a hard time seeing the Chiefs go with three nose tackles on the roster, but I personally like them better than Dickerson, Gubner and Lovett right now. The versatility that Herring and Danna provide to align at three-technique can allow for some flexibility there.
Linebacker (6)
On the 53-man roster: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane, Cam Jones, and Cole Christiansen
Practice squad: Swayze Bozeman** and Curtis Jacobs**
How we got here: The Chiefs seem to value experience at the linebacker position, which makes me feel they'll try to keep Jacobs and Bozeman on the practice squad with the goal of getting them into the rotation in 2025.
Cornerback (6)
On the 53-man roster: Trent McDuffie, Nazeeh Johnson, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Keith Taylor, and Nic Jones.
Practice Squad: Kamal Hadden* and Ekow Boye-Doe
Cut: Kelvin Joseph and Miles Battle**
How we got here: I wouldn't be shocked to see Kelvin Joseph supplant Keith Taylor when he returns from his hamstring injury. However, the longer he's out, the more likely I feel like this group is the six they go with. Kamal Hadden simply hasn't seen any run with the first- and second-team defense to this point in training camp and the preseason. Same goes for Miles Battle.
Safety (4)
On the 53-man roster: Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, and Jaden Hicks*
Practice squad: Christian Roland-Wallace** and Deon Bush
Cut: Tyree Gillespie
How we got here: Even if Justin Reid isn't 100% for Week 1, I think they roll this group out at safety. Jaden Hicks has proven in a single game that he can hang and fill in should the team need him to. Christian Roland-Wallace might be a hidden gem.
Special teams (3)
On the 53-man roster: K Harrison Butker, P Matt Araiza, and LS James Winchester
Practice squad: None
Cut: None
How we got here: No competition in this position group, so it remains pretty straightforward.
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