Kansas City Chiefs make crucial roster move just a day before their biggest game of the season vs. the Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are dealing with some injuries, but so are the Kansas City Chiefs as their practice squad elevations prove that.
The Kansas City Chiefs are getting ready for their biggest game of the year against the Denver Broncos. So, they made some crucial roster decisions on Saturday.
The Chiefs have signed Practice Squad player CB Melvin Smith to an active roster contract, activated Practice Squad player DE Tyreke Smith via Standard Elevation, and placed CB L’Jarius Sneed on Reserve/Injured.
Practice Squad Elevation Rules
NFL clubs can elevate up to two players per week without signing them to the 53-man roster. This temporarily expands 53-man rosters to as many as 55 players, but it does not expand game-day roster limits (48).
- Players can only receive 3 standard elevations per season.
- Following the game, players automatically revert to the practice squad.
- Practice squad elevations reset for the postseason.
With Sneed going on IR, Smith’s elevation makes complete sense. Not to mention, Sneed didn’t play well last week anyway. So, expect to see a bit more Roland-Wallace, and who knows, maybe Smith finds his way on the field. Smith signed with KC as a UDFA from Southern Arkansas. The 6-foot-1 cornerback has some potential to fit exactly what Steve Spagnuolo likes to do.
Then they elevated Tyreke Smith, the third-year player from Ohio State. The Seahawks originally selected him in the Fifth Round in 2022. And his 6-foot-3, 255-pound frame could help Kansas City if he’s called upon. These elevations are definitely different from what the team did last week. In fact, last week KC leaned more on the offense.
Last week, they elevated wide receiver Justin Watson for the second straight week. This week, of course, Watson won’t be needed, as Rashee Rice is expected to play a bit.
Chiefs need all hands on deck vs. Broncos
The Chiefs are about to play what may be the biggest game of the year. If they win, the gap widens even more for first place in the AFC West. If Denver wins, they tie for first place. And that’s the last thing you want. Since losing to the Chiefs in Week 1, Denver is 5-1. They’re red hot just like KC was a week ago.
And their offense showed improvement last week with the downfield issues they have had. So, these elevations may not seem like a huge deal. But in a game like this, you never know whose number could get called.
