KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have had a season that could be described with a variety of adjectives — fortunate, serendipitous, charmed, or simply lucky. This sentiment resonates particularly because of their uncanny ability to win close games.
When they faced challenges in their roster, they often turned to experienced players who seemed to be waiting for a call. Initially, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster rejoined the Chiefs shortly before the season started after fellow receiver Marquise Brown was sidelined due to shoulder surgery. Then running back Kareem Hunt made his return to the team following an injury to Isiah Pacheco, who suffered a broken fibula. Adding to the list, left tackle D.J. Humphries was signed to bolster the offensive line when other players struggled. Most recently, veteran Steven Nelson came out of retirement to lend support to a secondary that has faced difficulties in recent weeks.
“I got an opportunity and a call, and I was really excited about it,” Nelson expressed. He played his first four seasons with the Chiefs before short stints in Pittsburgh and Houston, eventually stepping back from football in June to spend more time with his family. “I’ve been focused on my two daughters but also maintained my workout regimen. The timing of this call was perfect, especially given the context of this team and where we are in the season.”
Each of these players has proven to be a significant addition to the Chiefs. Despite numerous options elsewhere, they found themselves available when general manager Brett Veach reached out. While some injuries raised red flags for other teams, the Chiefs took the risk. Smith-Schuster, who has struggled with knee issues for years, has still made an impact with 202 receiving yards and a touchdown this season, bringing veteran wisdom to the team’s dynamics. Hunt, recovering from a sports hernia surgery, played a key role when Pacheco went down, leading the team with 608 rushing yards and five touchdowns across ten games.
Humphries, returning from a torn ACL, was just cleared to play as the Chiefs sought to improve protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Although he injured his hamstring in his first game back against the Chargers, the team remains hopeful for his swift recovery as they head towards the playoffs. “Being in Kansas City feels amazing. It doesn’t get much better than this,” said Humphries. “The welcoming from everyone has been fantastic. It feels good to know I am with a team that values my presence.”
The Chiefs’ shrewd signings don’t end with these four players. Following an injury to kicker Harrison Butker, they brought in Spencer Shrader from the Jets practice squad, who went on to hit a game-winning field goal against Carolina. When Shrader suffered a hamstring injury himself, the team quickly acquired Matthew Wright after his release from the 49ers. Wright has made eight out of nine field goals and maintained a perfect record on PATs, including a critical late game-winner against the Chargers. Notably, Wright had also played previously with Kansas City.
“It certainly benefits us that he understands our system and our practice expectations,” said Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub. “His experience from different teams adds to what he brings to the table.”
In other news, Butker is scheduled to practice again on Thursday and has a chance to return from injured reserve to face the Browns. Toub mentioned, “He looked good, but we will monitor how he reacts.” Additionally, Humphries was unable to practice due to his hamstring injury. Offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor was limited in practice because of a knee issue, while safety Justin Reid might take on kickoff duties against Cleveland, given his strong leg and versatility.
