Denric Prince Elevated for Game by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL, depth on the offensive line can make or break a team’s playoff push—and for the Kansas City Chiefs, the recent elevation of practice squad guard Denric Prince to the active roster for Week 17’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is a strategic response to a pressing need. Denric Prince Elevated for Game by the Kansas City Chiefs comes at a critical time: with starting right guard Trey Smith sidelined by a Grade 2 ankle sprain, the Chiefs are scrambling to shore up their offensive line to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes and revive a running game that stalled in Smith’s absence. Prince, a first-year player who has spent the entire season on the practice squad, now gets a chance to prove he belongs on the active roster—a opportunity that not only could boost the Chiefs’ short-term prospects but also define his NFL career. For the Chiefs, this elevation isn’t just a temporary fix; it’s a test of their player development system and their ability to find hidden talent when injuries strike.

Denric Prince Elevated for Game by the Kansas City Chiefs begins with Prince’s journey to this moment, a path marked by perseverance and patience. The 6’4”, 315-pound guard went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft after a standout career at the University of Houston, where he started 32 games at both guard and tackle and earned All-AAC honors as a senior. His college film showcased a physical blocker with strong hand placement and the ability to pull on run plays—skills that align with the Chiefs’ offensive scheme—but concerns about his lateral quickness against speed rushers caused him to fall out of the draft. The Chiefs signed him to their practice squad in May, impressed by his work ethic and willingness to learn. Over the course of the season, Prince has spent countless hours studying film with offensive line coach Andy Heck, refining his technique and adapting to the NFL’s faster pace. “Denric has been a sponge all year,” Heck said in a recent press conference. “He shows up early, stays late, and asks the right questions. He’s earned this chance to contribute on game day.” For Prince, the elevation is the culmination of months of preparation, a reward for staying ready even when his name wasn’t on the active roster.

A key context for Denric Prince Elevated for Game by the Kansas City Chiefs is the Chiefs’ urgent need for offensive line depth. With Smith out indefinitely, the Chiefs’ primary backup at guard, Nick Allegretti, struggled in Week 16 against the Denver Broncos—allowing two pressures that led to sacks and failing to open holes in the running game. The team’s other options are limited: rookie Mike Caliendo has yet to play an NFL snap, and free-agent additions would require time to learn the playbook, time the Chiefs don’t have with a playoff spot on the line. Prince, however, has been practicing with the first-team offense for the past two weeks, filling in for Smith during reps and building chemistry with center Creed Humphrey and tackle Wanya Morris. In Wednesday’s practice, he drew praise from Mahomes, who noted how Prince’s consistency in blocking helped the quarterback find rhythm in the passing game. “Denric has been solid in practice,” Mahomes said. “He knows his assignments, he communicates well, and he doesn’t make the same mistake twice. Having him on the active roster gives us another reliable option up front.” This familiarity with the offense makes Prince a more viable game-day contributor than an outside free agent, as he can step in without disrupting the line’s cohesion.

Denric Prince Elevated for Game by the Kansas City Chiefs also details the specific role Prince is expected to play against the Raiders. While Allegretti is still listed as the starter at right guard, Prince will serve as the primary backup at both guard spots and could see snaps in short-yardage situations—where his strength as a run blocker can be maximized. The Raiders’ defensive line, which has recorded 40 sacks this season, features pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, who will test the Chiefs’ offensive line. Prince’s ability to come in and provide relief snaps will be crucial to keeping the starters fresh, especially in the fourth quarter when fatigue often leads to sacks. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid outlined the plan for Prince, saying, “We’ll have Denric ready to go in multiple packages. If Nick needs a break, or if we want to switch things up in the run game, Denric will be right there. He’s prepared for this moment, and we have confidence in him.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Prince’s role is about more than just filling a spot—it’s about maintaining the offensive line’s effectiveness, which is critical to keeping Mahomes upright and giving running back Isiah Pacheco room to operate.

Another layer of Denric Prince Elevated for Game by the Kansas City Chiefs is what this opportunity means for Prince’s future with the team. If he performs well against the Raiders, he could earn a permanent spot on the active roster, either for the remainder of the regular season or the playoffs. The Chiefs have a history of promoting practice squad players who seize their chances—most notably wide receiver Skyy Moore, who went from practice squad to key contributor during the team’s 2023 Super Bowl run. For Prince, a strong game could also lead to a contract extension, as the Chiefs will need to address offensive line depth in the off-season. Beyond personal gain, Prince’s elevation sends a message to other practice squad players: hard work and preparation don’t go unnoticed. “This is what we talk about with our practice squad guys,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. “Stay ready, because you never know when your number will be called. Denric embodies that mindset, and we’re excited to see what he can do.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, investing in players like Prince is part of a larger strategy to build a sustainable winner—one that can withstand injuries and compete for championships year after year.

Looking ahead, Denric Prince Elevated for Game by the Kansas City Chiefs is a storyline that will unfold on Sunday, as fans and coaches alike watch to see if Prince can rise to the occasion. A strong performance could not only help the Chiefs win a critical game against the Raiders and secure a higher playoff seed but also give the team a much-needed boost of confidence in their depth. Even if Prince doesn’t see extensive snaps, the experience of being on the active roster and preparing for a game will be invaluable for his development. For the Chiefs, this elevation is a reminder of the importance of depth in the NFL—and of the talent that often lies just below the surface on practice squads. “Injuries are inevitable, but how you respond to them defines your team,” Reid said. “Elevating Denric is our response. We believe in him, and we believe in this team’s ability to overcome adversity.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Denric Prince’s big break is more than just a one-game opportunity—it’s a chance to strengthen their playoff push and build for the future. Denric Prince Elevated for Game by the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just about a single player; it’s about the resilience and adaptability that have made the Chiefs one of the NFL’s most consistent contenders.