Earlier on Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced the placement of Cooper McDonald on injured reserve. The move meant that the team would be without the second-year linebacker for the next four weeks, at the very least, and most of the attention centered on what it would mean for the unit to go without a key reserve and emerging presence. But it also meant some dominoes had to fall in terms of roster makeup.
The pieces have shifted with McDonald out of the picture temporarily, and taking his place on the roster is one of the newest overall arrivals in the organization: fullback Ben VanSumeren.
Who is Ben VanSumeren?
The Chiefs moved VanSumeren to the active roster from the practice squad Wednesday, a move that makes permanent the temporary promotion he earned in Week 1. Both defensive tackle Marcus Harris and VanSumeren were elevated from the taxi squad for the team's recent win over the Denver Broncos to start the season.
VanSumeren proved to be a quick special teams study and earned a handful of snaps on offense as a fullback in his first game with the Chiefs, which came less than two weeks after he joined the team in the first place. K.C. originally signed him to join the practice squad after he was released by the Buffalo Bills before active rosters were originally due at the end of August.
The Chiefs leaned on defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga as a fullback for four snaps on Monday against Denver, while VanSumeren had three as an actual fullback. Perhaps Tonga can stay fresh for his work in the trenches if VanSumeren has more time to learn the playbook. As it stands, the Chiefs now have a full-time fullback on the active roster for the first time in four seasons, since Michael Burton was gainfully employed.
Who takes VanSumeren's spot?
VanSumeren's own promotion created a spot on the practice squad for defensive end Michael Heldman, a rookie who originally landed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent following the draft. Heldman lasted all summer with the Saints but was placed on injured reserve and ultimately released with a settlement. Heldman is now healthy and joins the Chiefs to further his career.
Heldman weighed in at 6-3, 268 lbs. ahead of the draft after finishing his five year career with Central Michigan. A breakout campaign last season placed him on NFL radars, as Heldman led the Chippewas with 53 pressures, 16.5 tackles for loss. 10.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Dane Brugler of The Athletic had a fringe 7th-round grade on him in his draft guide.
On Wednesday, the Chiefs also made official the move to bring back cornerback Melvin Smith after word leaked on Tuesday. To make room for Smith, the Chiefs released fellow defensive back Tanner McCalister.
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