Chiefs news: Justin Hilliard signs with practice squad

The Kansas City Chiefs worked out several defensive players on Tuesday including former Packers defensive lineman Mike Daniels.

The Kansas City Chiefs have been remaking the practice squad over the last few weeks, choosing over time to add more veteran players to the mix instead of the typical youthful slant that comes early in a season. It’s a sign that the Chiefs want to make sure they have experienced veterans they can rely upon in case of emergency as the playoffs come into view.

The Chiefs hosted several defensive players for tryouts on Tuesday at Arrowhead Stadium, including some veterans.

The most familiar face to show up at Arrowhead was defensive tackle Mike Daniels, formerly of the Green Bay Packers. Daniels spent the last two seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and has yet to play at all this year, so it would likely take him some time to round into form.

One player who took advantage of the workout was linebacker Justin Hilliard, who was later signed to a contract after showing the team what he can do. Hilliard comes with an extensive injury history through his college years but profiles as a special teams core player out of Ohio State who played in two games last season with the New York Giants.

Other players who worked out this week include linebackers Clarence Hicks, Khalan Tolson, and Barrington Wade.

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First Broncos injury report for Week 17 (Mile High Report)

The first injury reports came out after practice on Wednesday as the Chiefs and Broncos prepared for Week 17. At this point, the Broncos have so much going on—from the firing of their head coach to numerous injuries piling up at season’s end. Offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz is the latest addition to the list of those limited in practice or out.

Justin Reid believes there are no rookies in the secondary at this point in the season (KC Star)

We like this perspective overall and it’s a point well made in his presser. The Chiefs have been young and inexperienced in the secondary this year, but by now, names like Jaylen Watson have played several months of football at the highest level. Seasons are longer now than ever, so the idea of someone being so “green” anymore that it warrants special mention is a misnomer. That said, it’s important to remember that Trent McDuffie missed half the season with an injury, so there’s still plenty of growth ahead.