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3 important practice squad players for Chiefs in season’s second half

By Jacob Milham

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 27: Danny Shelton #71 of the Detroit Lions walks off the field during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on September 27, 2020 in Glendale, Ariz. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 27: Danny Shelton #71 of the Detroit Lions walks off the field during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on September 27, 2020 in Glendale, Ariz. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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Nov 18, 2015; DeKalb, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Western Michigan Broncos helmet before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Huskie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2015; DeKalb, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Western Michigan Broncos helmet before the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Huskie Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive guard Mike Caliendo

Move over, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. There might be another uber-smart offensive guard in Kansas City soon. That would be none other than a rookie, Mike Caliendo.

No known relation to a popular impressionist, Caliendo had an impressive collegiate career at Western Michigan. He played in all the Broncos games since 2017, starting all but two of those games. He was an Academic All-MAC selection five times, a first-team All-Mac in 2020 and 2021, and a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, or “the Academic Heisman”, in 2021. All in all, Caliendo had a very decorated collegiate career on and off the field.

The Chiefs signed Caliendo as an undrafted free agent after the 2022 NFL Draft. He had a so-so preseason performance, but he played in all three games at both center and right guard. He did not commit any penalties or surrender any sacks in 104 snaps played. He might not have dominated at the line of scrimmage, but Caliendo looked to be competent and a future depth piece.

With both right guard Trey Smith and left guard Joe Thuney banged up, Caliendo may make his way to the active roster later this season. He is not going to take any starting spots but has valued versatility and firm fundamentals.

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