Jody Fortson Joins the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Squad

For Jody Fortson, a familiar face returned to the Kansas City Chiefs organization in late October 2024, as the team announced his signing to the practice squad—a move that reunites the tight end with a franchise he’s called home for much of his NFL career. Fortson, who spent four seasons with the Chiefs between 2020 and 2023 (alternating between the active roster and practice squad), brings a mix of on-field experience, positional versatility, and familiarity with the team’s offense to a unit looking to bolster depth at tight end. The signing comes at a critical time for the Chiefs, who have dealt with minor injuries to backup tight ends in recent weeks, highlighting the need for reliable reserves. Jody Fortson Joins the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Squad explores the context behind the move, Fortson’s history with the Chiefs, his potential role on the practice squad, and how this signing fits into the team’s broader strategy for the season’s stretch run.

Fortson’s journey back to the Chiefs practice squad is rooted in his prior tenure with the franchise, which showcased his ability to contribute both as a pass-catcher and a blocker. Originally signed by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Fortson quickly made an impression with his size (6-foot-6, 245 pounds) and athleticism, earning a spot on the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster in 2021. During his time with the Chiefs, he appeared in 28 games, recording 16 receptions for 199 yards and 3 touchdowns—including a key touchdown catch in a 2022 regular-season win over the Los Angeles Rams. However, injuries limited his availability in 2023, and he was released during final roster cuts ahead of the 2024 season. After a short stint with another NFL team’s practice squad earlier this year, Fortson jumped at the chance to return to Kansas City, where he knows the playbook, coaching staff, and many of the current players. “This place feels like home,” Fortson said in a brief interview after signing. “I know the offense inside out, and I already have chemistry with a lot of the guys. It’s good to be back.” Jody Fortson Joins the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Squad notes that Fortson’s familiarity with the Chiefs’ system is a key advantage, as it allows him to contribute quickly without a lengthy learning curve.

A closer look at the Chiefs’ motivation for signing Fortson reveals the team’s focus on building depth at tight end, a position that has seen subtle roster challenges in recent weeks. Starter Travis Kelce remains the offense’s centerpiece, but backup tight ends Noah Gray and Blake Bell have both missed practice time with minor injuries (Gray with a shoulder tweak, Bell with a knee issue). While neither injury is considered serious, the Chiefs prioritize having reliable reserves to avoid disruptions in practice or game-day preparations. Practice squad players like Fortson serve two critical roles: they simulate opposing tight ends during practice (helping the defense prepare for upcoming opponents) and stand ready to be elevated to the active roster if injuries strike. Fortson’s ability to play both inline tight end (blocking for the run game) and move tight end (lining up in the slot or out wide) makes him particularly valuable for practice simulations—he can mimic a range of opposing player styles, from power blockers to pass-catching threats. “Jody’s versatility is a big plus,” said Chiefs tight ends coach Tom Melvin. “In practice, he can play different roles to challenge our defense, and if we need him on Sundays, he already knows what to do. That’s the kind of player you want on your practice squad.” Jody Fortson Joins the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Squad emphasizes that the signing is a strategic move to strengthen the team’s overall roster flexibility, not just a nostalgic reunion.

For the Kansas City Chiefs, signing Fortson also aligns with the team’s long-standing philosophy of prioritizing players who understand and fit their culture. The Chiefs have a history of re-signing familiar practice squad players—individuals who know the organization’s values, work ethic, and offensive/defensive schemes—because they require less time to integrate and often bring positive energy to the locker room. Fortson, known for his quiet intensity and willingness to help younger players, fits this mold perfectly. During his previous tenure with the Chiefs, he mentored rookie tight ends in film sessions and shared tips on navigating the NFL’s demands. Now, with rookies like tight end John Samuel Shenker on the practice squad, Fortson can resume that mentorship role. “We value players who buy into our culture, and Jody has always done that,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “He works hard, he’s a team player, and he makes everyone around him better—whether that’s in practice or in the locker room. That’s the type of presence we want on our practice squad.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this focus on cultural fit extends beyond on-field talent; it’s about building a cohesive group that can support the team’s championship goals. Jody Fortson Joins the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Squad notes that this philosophy has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ sustained success in recent years.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad system is designed to give players like Fortson opportunities to develop and stay ready for potential active roster calls—and Fortson has already embraced that mindset. Since joining the practice squad, he has arrived early to practices to work on blocking drills with offensive line coaches and stayed late to review film with Melvin, refining his route-running and understanding of the Chiefs’ updated 2024 playbook. Practice squad players participate in all team meetings and most practice reps, but they don’t dress for games unless elevated. For Fortson, this means staying sharp mentally and physically, even if he isn’t seeing game action. “My job right now is to be ready,” Fortson said. “I work every day like I’m going to be on the active roster Sunday, because you never know when your number will be called. Whether it’s helping the defense prepare or being ready to play, I’m here to contribute any way I can.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this level of commitment from practice squad players is vital—they need reserves who can step in seamlessly if a starter goes down, without missing a beat in the offense or defense. Fortson’s experience in the Chiefs’ system means he could be elevated to the active roster with minimal notice, a flexibility the team values highly. Jody Fortson Joins the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Squad explores how Fortson’s work ethic and readiness embody the type of player the Chiefs seek for their practice squad.

Looking ahead, Jody Fortson’s role on the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad could evolve as the season progresses, depending on roster health and team needs. If Gray or Bell suffer a more significant injury, Fortson is the most logical candidate to be elevated to the active roster—his familiarity with the offense and prior game experience make him a low-risk, high-reward option. Even if he stays on the practice squad for the remainder of the season, Fortson’s contributions will be felt: his work in practice will help the Chiefs’ defense prepare for opposing tight ends, and his mentorship will aid in the development of the team’s young tight ends. For Fortson himself, the practice squad stint is an opportunity to stay in the NFL, showcase his skills, and potentially earn a more permanent role with the Chiefs or another team in the future. “Being back here gives me a chance to keep doing what I love,” Fortson said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m going to make the most of it.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, the signing is a low-cost, high-value move that strengthens their depth and aligns with their culture of loyalty to proven contributors. Jody Fortson Joins the Kansas City Chiefs Practice Squad concludes that while practice squad signings often fly under the radar, they play a critical role in NFL teams’ success—and Fortson’s return to the Chiefs is a prime example of how these moves can support a team’s goals both in the short term and long term.