Latest roster move hints at Chiefs' strategy for addressing rash of wide receiver injuries
The Kansas City Chiefs have made a roster move ahead of their "Monday Night Football" showdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The move might hint at the team's upcoming strategy as they deal with injuries at the wide receiver position. The Chiefs have signed TE Jody Fortson to the 53-man roster from […]
The Kansas City Chiefs have made a roster move ahead of their "Monday Night Football" showdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 5. The move might hint at the team's upcoming strategy as they deal with injuries at the wide receiver position.
The Chiefs have signed TE Jody Fortson to the 53-man roster from their practice squad, as first reported by Arrowhead Pride's Pete Sweeney. The team had a free spot on the 53-man roster after placing WR Rashee Rice on injured reserve on Thursday. They have another free space, presumably waiting for RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who saw his practice window opened as he remains on the NFI list.
Fortson returned to Kansas City on the practice just over a week ago. This comes after the former undrafted free agent left the Chiefs to sign with the Miami Dolphins this past offseason. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 226 pounds, Fortson appeared in 21 games with two career starts (including postseason) over three seasons in Kansas City. He recorded 14 receptions for 199 yards and four touchdowns, becoming a trusted target in the red zone for Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
With WRs Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice on injured reserve, and WR Mecole Hardman currently dealing with a knee injury, the messaging here is clear. Kansas City will rely on some other position groups to help pick up the slack, including the tight end position.
12-personnel, 13-personnel, and the infamous "T-Rex" formation with four tight ends on the field will be a big part of how they adjust to their current injury situation. Late in the year, the team's success rates in those personnel groupings always tend to creep toward the league's best, but they might have to break it out early this year. It won't just be about the passing game either.
The Chiefs have the league's top rushing success rate through the first four weeks of the 2024 NFL season. Adding another big body like Fortson to the mix will only help those numbers persist while Kansas City is without injured starting RB Isiah Pacheco.
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes hopes Royals ALDS series vs. Yankees can overcome his apparent playoff baseball curse
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes hasn’t had much luck supporting his baseball teams during their World Series pursuits.
