Practice Squad Elevations Announced by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL’s regular season stretch—where injuries, fatigue, and roster churn test even the deepest teams—practice squad elevations are more than just roster tweaks; they’re strategic moves to keep contenders competitive. For the Kansas City Chiefs, Practice Squad Elevations Announced by the Kansas City Chiefs has become a weekly ritual, as the team leverages its practice squad to address short-term needs, test young talent, and maintain the depth that’s critical to their AFC West dominance. With a Super Bowl defense and a high-octane offense led by Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs don’t just elevate players to fill gaps—they select contributors who can seamlessly fit into their system, whether for a single game or a longer stretch. These announcements, typically made on Wednesdays or Thursdays before game day, offer a window into the Chiefs’ game plan, injury status, and long-term player development goals. For a franchise chasing its third consecutive Super Bowl appearance, practice squad elevations are a quiet but essential part of their winning formula.

Practice Squad Elevations Announced by the Kansas City Chiefs took on added significance in Week 15 of the 2024 season, when the team revealed two key call-ups: running back Derrick Gore and defensive end Malik Herring. The moves came after starter Isiah Pacheco (ankle soreness) and backup defensive end George Karlaftis (concussion protocol) were listed as questionable for their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Gore, a 29-year-old veteran who spent parts of 2022 and 2023 with the Chiefs, was elevated to provide depth behind Jerick McKinnon, bringing familiarity with Kansas City’s run scheme and pass-blocking assignments. Herring, a 2022 undrafted free agent who has spent two seasons on the practice squad, was tapped to add edge-rushing depth, a critical need against a Raiders offensive line that had allowed 38 sacks entering the week. Chiefs general manager Brett Veach explained the thought process: “Our practice squad is built to complement our active roster. When injuries hit, we want players who already know our playbook, our culture, and can step in without missing a beat. Derrick and Malik fit that mold perfectly.” The elevations weren’t just about filling spots—they were about ensuring the Chiefs could execute their game plan without compromising on talent.

A key detail of Practice Squad Elevations Announced by the Kansas City Chiefs is how the team uses these moves to balance short-term needs with long-term player development. Unlike some teams that elevate practice squad players as temporary fixes, the Chiefs view elevations as a way to evaluate young talent in real-game scenarios, helping them decide who deserves a permanent spot on the active roster. For example, in Week 12, the Chiefs elevated rookie wide receiver Justyn Ross, a former Clemson standout who had spent the season recovering from a knee injury. Ross played 18 snaps against the Denver Broncos, catching two passes for 25 yards and drawing a pass interference call that set up a Chiefs touchdown. While he was returned to the practice squad after the game, the elevation gave coaches valuable data on his readiness—and sent a message to other practice squad players that hard work could lead to opportunities. “We don’t just elevate players to sit on the bench,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “We give them meaningful reps because we want to see what they can do. It’s good for the player, and it’s good for us—we might find our next key contributor.” This approach has paid off in recent years: players like cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and tight end Noah Gray started their Chiefs careers on the practice squad before becoming starters.

Practice Squad Elevations Announced by the Kansas City Chiefs also reflects the team’s mastery of NFL practice squad rules, which allow teams to elevate up to two players per week (with exceptions for injury replacements) without exposing them to waivers. The Chiefs often use these rules strategically, elevating players for specific opponents based on scheme matchups. For instance, in Week 14 against the Buffalo Bills—who feature a run-heavy offense led by James Cook—the Chiefs elevated practice squad linebacker Jack Cochrane, a run-stopping specialist who had spent the season studying Bills playcaller Ken Dorsey’s tendencies. Cochrane played 22 snaps on defense and special teams, recording three tackles and helping limit Cook to 68 rushing yards (well below his season average of 89). “We study opponents all week, and sometimes we need a specific skill set that our active roster doesn’t have,” said Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “The practice squad lets us tailor our roster to each game. Jack was the perfect fit to help us stop the run against Buffalo.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this rule-savvy approach isn’t just about compliance—it’s about gaining a competitive edge, turning the practice squad into a flexible tool to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.

Another important aspect of Practice Squad Elevations Announced by the Kansas City Chiefs is the impact these moves have on team culture and morale. For practice squad players, elevations are a validation of their work ethic and dedication, as they often spend weeks or months preparing as “scout team” opponents—mimicking the moves of upcoming foes—without seeing game action. When a player like Herring or Gore is elevated, it sends a message to the entire practice squad that their contributions matter. “It’s easy to get discouraged when you’re on the practice squad,” Gore said after his Week 15 elevation. “But the Chiefs make you feel like part of the team, even if you’re not on the active roster. When they call your name, it makes all the early mornings and extra reps worth it.” This culture of inclusion also benefits the active roster, as players know their backups are prepared to step in at a moment’s notice. “We don’t have starters and practice squad players—we have Chiefs,” Mahomes said. “When someone gets elevated, we trust them to do their job because we’ve seen them work every day.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, practice squad elevations are more than a roster move—they’re a way to strengthen team unity and build the trust that’s essential to winning in the NFL.

Looking ahead, Practice Squad Elevations Announced by the Kansas City Chiefs will remain a critical part of the team’s strategy as they push for another Super Bowl run. With the playoffs approaching, the Chiefs are likely to elevate players who specialize in playoff-style football—like pass-rushers, lockdown cornerbacks, and short-yardage runners—who can thrive in high-pressure situations. The team also has several promising practice squad players, including rookie quarterback Chris Oladokun and defensive tackle Danny Shelton, who could be elevated if injuries strike key positions. “The practice squad is our secret weapon,” Veach said. “It lets us stay deep, stay flexible, and keep building for the future—all while winning now.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, practice squad elevations aren’t just about getting through the next game; they’re about maintaining the dynasty-level consistency that has made them one of the NFL’s most dominant teams of the past decade. As long as they continue to leverage their practice squad effectively, the Chiefs will remain a threat to win the Super Bowl year after year.