The frenzy is over. With roster cuts made and waiver claims submitted, the furious activity that dominates the final preseason weekend every year has come to its end. That doesn't mean fans are done debating or that minor transactions won't be made. But at the very least, it's now possible to size up each NFL franchise against the other and make some judgment calls about the greater body of work.
For the Chiefs, the roster construction continued in earnest on Monday with the establishment of the team's practice squad. Each team is given 16 slots, with 6 of those available for veterans with any amount of accrued service time. A 17th spot is also available for teams that take advantage of the International Player Pathways exemption—although that won't be K.C. after losing Chu Godrick to the Miami Dolphins via waiver claim.
Expect some faces to change over time, but here's a first look at the Chiefs' taxi squad entering the '26 season as the news rolls in.
Andrew Armstrong, WR
The name fans were wanting to see more than any other. Armstrong was a close call for the active roster and it wasn't hard to find confused members of Chiefs Kingdom after the initial roster left Armstrong off the list. After making it through waiver claims, Armstrong is still in the fold after a very strong preseason showing.
Cole Brevard, DT
The Chiefs have more depth than ever along the defensive interior, but the Chiefs always have a couple of defensive tackles stashed on the practice squad. The 6-3, 346-lb. lineman out of Texas had 18 total tackles and 2 pass deflections for the Longhorns a year ago. Signed with K.C. as a priority free agent.
Cole Christensen, LB
The Chiefs have kept Christensen around since the '22 campaign, with a consistent yo-yo-ing between the practice squad and active roster. Expect him to earn a few more promotions in 2026 to help out on special teams on occasion.
Omari Evans, WR
The former Washington Huskies receiver had only 17 catches for 245 yards and 1 touchdown last year, but the production profile wasn't what drew the Chiefs' attention. Instead, it was the 4.25-second 40-yard dash and other impressive athletic metrics that make K.C. wonder what they can unlock with more time. Signed as a rookie free agent back in May.
Cam Jones, LB
Alongside Christensen, Cam Jones gives the Chiefs another proven core-four performer on special teams. Bit of a redundancy with Jack Cochrane already on the active roster. The Chiefs aren't short on backup linebackers who can do everything Dave Toub asks.
Tanner McCalister, S
Journeyman defensive back who has already spent time with the Browns, Broncos, and Jets before landing in K.C. on a futures deal last winter.
Pete Nygra, OL
No player logged more preseason reps for the Chiefs than Nygra, and it wasn't close. The team was clearly committed to testing the Louisville product all they could with interior snaps to determine the level of need for their second-string unit. Nygra's spot on the practice squad speaks for itself, a belief in his potential while acknowledging the raw performance marked by numerous penalties this summer.
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE
The Chiefs signed Ogbah late in the preseason as a veteran voice for a green defensive end room. While he was waived on Sunday, it was always a good bet that the team would bring back the veteran to the practice squad, and he lands here to start the year.
Jaydn Ott, RB
After leading the Pac-12 in rushing yards in '23, Ott struggled to stay healthy and productive even after transferring to Oklahoma for his final season. He's got an advocate in his former college coach, DeMarco Murray, on Andy Reid's staff.
D'Arco Perkins-McCallister, CB
The Chiefs liked the well-traveled cornerback enough to bring him back after roster cuts to join the practice squad. Perkins-McCallister made the leap to the NFL from Louisiana-Monroe, which came after short stints at TCU, New Mexico, and UT-Chattanooga. This is a special teams play and a longer look at a lengthy corner.
DeShon SIngleton, S
Singleton's appearance on the practice squad was expected after a positive preseason with the team. While Xavier Nwankpa beat out Singleton and other competitors for the fourth safety spot to start the season, Singleton's going to come in handy as a young defensive back who could turn into something with another year on the team.
Tyreke Smith, DE
Limited by an injury late in training camp, Smith slipped through waivers to provide a familiar face on the practice squad for another season after spending most of '25 in the same role.
Ben VanSumeren, FB
Ben VanSumeren spent his first three seasons in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, the last two of which were plagued by serious injuries, including a torn patellar tendon that robbed him of the entire 2025 campaign. But he's an intriguing player as a former linebacker turned fullback, and the Buffalo Bills took a closer look this offseason. After failing to make the active roster, the Chiefs have now signed him to the practice squad.
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