KANSAS CITY, MO -The Kansas City Chiefs trimmed to the league-mandated 53 and quickly built a practice squad, with a few notable decisions at wideout and the defensive front.
The biggest decisions
Keeping eight wide receivers (including Jason Brownlee and rookie Jalen Royals) gives Andy Reid added flexibility while Xavier Worthy ramps up. Up front, Jerry Tillery stuck as an interior pass-rush piece alongside Chris Jones, with Charles Omenihu and George Karlaftis anchoring the edge. The Chiefs carried only two quarterbacks (Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew) and four running backs, signaling special-teams roles for Elijah Mitchell and Brashard Smith.
Initial 53 (by position)
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QB (2): Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew.
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RB (4): Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, Isiah Pacheco, Brashard Smith.
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WR (8): Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, Jason Brownlee, Nikko Remigio, Rashee Rice, Jalen Royals, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Xavier Worthy.
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TE (3): Noah Gray, Travis Kelce, Jared Wiley.
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OL (9): Mike Caliendo, Creed Humphrey, Jaylon Moore, Wanya Morris, Hunter Nourzad, Jawaan Taylor, Josh Simmons, Trey Smith, Kingsley Suamataia.
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DL (9): Mike Danna, Ashton Gillotte, Malik Herring, Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Derrick Nnadi, Omarr Norman-Lott, Charles Omenihu, Jerry Tillery.
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LB (6): Jeffrey Bassa, Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane, Cooper McDonald, Drue Tranquill.
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DB (9): Chamarri Conner, Bryan Cook, Kristian Fulton, Jaden Hicks, Trent McDuffie, Chris Roland-Wallace, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nohl Williams.
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Specialists (3): K Harrison Butker, P Matt Araiza, LS James Winchester.
Who was cut (and other moves)
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Placed on Reserve/Injured: Jake Briningstool (TE), Brandon George (LB), Nazeeh Johnson (CB).
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Placed on Reserve/NFI: Ethan Driskell (T).
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Released (veterans): Cole Christiansen (LB), Mike Edwards (S), Mike Pennel (NT), Robert Tonyan (TE), Marlon Tuipulotu (DT).
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Waived: Elijhah Badger (WR), Owen Carney (DE), Ajani Carter (CB), Dalton Cooper (T), Jacobe Covington (S), Mac Dalena (WR), Chukwuebuka Godrick (T), C.J. Hanson (G), Azizi Hearn (CB), Jimmy Holiday (WR), Coziah Izzard (DT), Cam Jones (LB), Kevin Knowles (CB), Joey Lombard (C), Fabien Lovett (DT), Nate Matlack (DE), Glendon Miller (S), Xander Mueller (LB), Chris Oladokun (QB), Esa Pole (T), Hal Presley (WR), Key'Shawn Smith (WR), Melvin Smith (CB), Geor'Quarius Spivey (TE), Carson Steele (RB), Tre Watson (TE), Michael Wiley (RB), Major Williams (S), Bailey Zappe (QB).
Practice squad (official)
Cole Christiansen (LB), Mike Edwards (S), C.J. Hanson (G), Jimmy Holiday (WR), Coziah Izzard (DT), Kevin Knowles (CB), Chris Oladokun (QB), Hal Presley (WR), Melvin Smith (CB), Carson Steele (RB), Robert Tonyan (TE), Marlon Tuipulotu (DT), Tre Watson (TE); International Player Pathway: Chukwuebuka Godrick (T).
What it means
Kansas City kept depth at receiver while staying lean at quarterback. The defensive front's mix of power (Jones/Nnadi) and length (Omenihu/Karlaftis) remains the identity, with Tillery adding interior rush. Special teams continuity with Butker/Winchester is intact while Araiza takes over punting.
