3 important practice squad players for Chiefs in season’s second half
By Jacob Milham
The Kansas City Chiefs have often used their practice squad players on gameday due to injuries and suspensions. Who could make an impact after Kansas City’s bye week?
One of the Kansas City Chiefs strengths this season has been their practice squad depth. Kicker Matthew Wright, linebacker Elijah Lee, and wide receiver Daurice Fountain are just a few of the practice squad players who have been elevated on game day. While their performances have not been lights out, these players provide dependable and important depth on the Chiefs roster.
Granted, this availability was not always the case. The NFL has changed several rules regarding practice squad players since 2019. Then, teams could only have 10 practice squad players. Now, they have 16 players, including six veterans, with no limit on the number of accrued seasons they have in the league. That wrinkle allows players like wide receiver Chris Conley, Lee, and running back Wayne Gallman to be on Kansas City’s practice squad.
Currently, the Chiefs practice squad is as follows:
- Defensve back Zayne Anderson
- Cornerback DiCaprio Bootle
- Offensive guard Mike Caliendo
- Linebacker Cole Christiansen
- Tight end Jordan Franks
- Running back Wayne Gallman
- Wide receiver Marcus Kemp
- Linebacker Elijah Lee
- Quarterback Chris Oladokun
- Wide receiver Cornell Powell
- Center Austin Reiter
- Defensive tackle Danny Shelton
- Wide receiver Imhir Smith-Marsette
- Kicker Matthew Wright
On that list, there are some intriguing veterans and some familiar names. Which of these players could have a positive impact on the Chiefs as the season progresses?