Signed OL to PS in Recent Move by the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their AFC Divisional Round playoff game, the team’s front office has made a strategic addition to their practice squad: signing veteran offensive lineman Cameron Erving to bolster depth along the line. Erving, a 9-year NFL veteran with experience at tackle and guard, joins the Chiefs after spending the 2025 regular season with the Detroit Lions, where he appeared in 11 games as a backup. The move comes as the Chiefs manage minor injuries to key offensive linemen—right tackle Mike McGlinchey is recovering from a knee sprain, and left guard Joe Thuney has been limited in practice with a shoulder ailment—making additional depth critical for a potential deep playoff run. For the Chiefs, practice squad signings like Erving aren’t just last-minute additions; they’re calculated moves to ensure the team has experienced players ready to step in if injuries strike during high-stakes games. Signed OL to PS in Recent Move by the Kansas City Chiefs thus breaks down Erving’s background, the Chiefs’ motivation for the signing, and how this move strengthens their playoff readiness.

To understand the value of Erving’s signing, it’s essential to examine his NFL career and positional versatility—two traits that make him an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ practice squad. Erving was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft and has since played for six teams, including the Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs (from 2019–2020), and most recently the Lions. What sets Erving apart is his ability to play multiple positions: he has experience at left tackle, right tackle, and both guard spots, a flexibility that aligns with Andy Reid’s offensive scheme, which often requires linemen to adjust positions based on game situations. During his previous stint with the Chiefs (2019–2020), Erving appeared in 26 games, including 8 starts, and was part of the offensive line that helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV. His familiarity with the Chiefs’ playbook and coaching staff means he won’t need weeks to get up to speed—he can learn the team’s current adjustments quickly and be ready to contribute if called upon. “Cameron is a player we know well,” said Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck. “He’s tough, he’s smart, and he understands how we run our offense. That kind of experience is hard to find, especially this late in the season.” Signed OL to PS in Recent Move by the Kansas City Chiefs thus frames Erving’s versatility and familiarity with the Chiefs as key reasons for the signing.

The Chiefs’ decision to sign Erving to the practice squad directly addresses their immediate need for offensive line depth, a concern that has grown as the playoffs approach. McGlinchey returned to action in Week 18 but is still building back full strength, and Thuney’s shoulder injury has forced the Chiefs to use backup Nick Allegretti in some practice reps. While the Chiefs’ starting line remains intact, playoff games often feature longer minutes and more physical play, increasing the risk of fatigue or injury. Erving’s presence on the practice squad provides a safety net: if McGlinchey or Thuney can’t finish a game, Erving can be elevated to the active roster and step in without a drop-off in performance. During his time with the Lions this season, Erving proved he can still contribute: he allowed just one sack in 182 offensive snaps and received a 67.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus—above the average for backup offensive linemen (65.0). “Depth along the offensive line is everything in the playoffs,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “You never know when you’ll need a player to step up, and having someone like Cameron—who has playoff experience and knows our system—gives us peace of mind.” Signed OL to PS in Recent Move by the Kansas City Chiefs thus highlights how Erving’s signing mitigates the risk of injuries during the playoffs.

Erving’s return to the Kansas City Chiefs (he previously played for the team in 2019–2020) adds another layer of value, as he already understands the culture and scheme that define the Chiefs’ offense. Unlike a new free agent who would need to learn Reid’s complex playbook, Erving remembers the terminology, blocking assignments, and communication style that the Chiefs’ offensive line relies on. This familiarity was on display during his first practice with the team, where he quickly aligned with center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith during run-blocking drills, requiring minimal guidance from Heck. Erving’s prior relationship with Humphrey—who was a rookie during Erving’s last stint in Kansas City—has also helped ease his transition back to the team. “It’s great to have Cameron back,” Humphrey said after practice. “We worked together when I first got here, and he helped me learn the ropes. Now, he’s the one who already knows the system, and that makes it easy for all of us to work together.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Erving’s familiarity with the team reduces the learning curve and ensures he can be activated to the active roster at a moment’s notice—critical for a playoff run where every practice and game minute counts. Signed OL to PS in Recent Move by the Kansas City Chiefs thus explores how Erving’s prior experience with the Chiefs makes this signing more impactful than a typical practice squad addition.

The signing also reflects the Kansas City Chiefs’ broader strategy for practice squad management, which prioritizes experienced veterans over unproven rookies during the playoffs. While practice squads are often used to develop young talent during the regular season, the Chiefs shift their focus to veterans in the postseason—players who have been in high-pressure situations and can contribute immediately. Erving fits this mold perfectly: he has appeared in 12 playoff games during his career, including two Super Bowls, and knows what it takes to perform in January. The Chiefs’ practice squad currently includes other veterans, like backup quarterback Shane Buechele and wide receiver Justin Watson, who provide similar experience. This strategy has paid off in the past: during the 2022 playoffs, the Chiefs elevated practice squad tight end Blake Bell to the active roster, and he went on to catch a critical touchdown pass in the AFC Championship Game. “Our practice squad during the playoffs is all about readiness,” said Reid. “We want players who have been there before, who don’t get overwhelmed by the moment. Cameron is exactly that kind of player.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, investing in veteran practice squad players like Erving is a low-risk, high-reward move that can make the difference between winning and losing a close playoff game. Signed OL to PS in Recent Move by the Kansas City Chiefs thus emphasizes how this signing aligns with the Chiefs’ playoff-focused practice squad strategy.

Looking ahead, Erving’s role on the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad will be to stay ready—attending all meetings, participating in every practice, and studying the team’s game plan for each potential opponent. While he may not be activated for the divisional round, his presence ensures the Chiefs are prepared if injuries force a change to the offensive line. For Erving, the signing is a chance to contribute to a team he already has history with, and potentially earn a Super Bowl ring—something he missed out on during his previous stint with the Chiefs (he left the team before their 2022 championship run). “Coming back to Kansas City feels like coming home,” Erving said in an interview. “I know this organization, I know this offense, and I know what it takes to win here. I’m just going to work hard every day and be ready if my number is called.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this practice squad signing is a small but important piece of their larger playoff puzzle—one that reinforces their commitment to depth, experience, and preparation. As the Chiefs chase another Super Bowl title, moves like this ensure they have every tool they need to compete at the highest level. Signed OL to PS in Recent Move by the Kansas City Chiefs thus concludes by emphasizing that while practice squad additions may fly under the radar, they’re essential to building a team that can withstand the rigors of the NFL playoffs.