Matt Bushman
Before we go any further, let's address Matt Bushman's nickname. Apparently, during his college days at BYU, teammates called him "Honey Hands". I do not know whether to love it or hate it. But Chiefs fans may need to start brainstorming another nickname for Bushman if he makes the 53-man roster. Offense coordinator Matt Nagy may agree with the nickname, though.
"The guy doesn't drop the ball," Nagy said. "He's always in the right spot at the right time."
Matt Bushman getting a penalty for being too swol pic.twitter.com/33EgbGp4sB
— Daniel Harms🏈 (@InHarmsWay19) August 16, 2023
Bushman looked like a roster contender last preseason, especially when he had three catches for 73 yards and two touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers. But a broken collarbone ended his season early, and the late bloomer lost another year of professional football. He returns to action this preseason with, like Hailassie, a chance to make the roster after an injury above him.
Jody Fortson has been extremely unlucky when it comes to injuries, and a dislocated shoulder and subsequent surgery ended his 2023 season before it started. That cuts the tight end room down to Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Blake Bell. That fourth spot is up for grabs and Bushman can take it with standout performances this preseason.
His receiving skills have never been an issue. After all, he led BYU's passing attack for two seasons before entering the NFL. The problem has been his blocking. Bushman struggled in run blocking last preseason, despite his 6'5", 245 lbs. frame. But, PFF says that Bushman made some strides in that area against the Saints.
Bushman earned a 62.4 run-blocking grade from PFF, the best among all skill players. Granted, Bushman only blocked for seven of his 36 offensive snaps, but progress is progress. Bushman has a chance Saturday, with hopefully more blocking work, that he can be a complete and reliable tight end for the Chiefs. If he performs well enough, he may even push Bell, a two-time Super Bowl champion, off the roster. But, the ball is in "Honey Hands" court now.