Cole Christiansen Signed from PS to Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL, linebacker depth and special teams reliability are often the unsung keys to a team’s success—and for the Kansas City Chiefs, the recent promotion of Cole Christiansen from the practice squad to the active roster addresses both needs at a critical time. Cole Christiansen Signed from PS to Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs comes as the Chiefs navigate injuries to their linebacker corps and look to solidify a special teams unit that has struggled with coverage lapses in recent weeks. Christiansen, a fourth-year player with experience as both an off-ball linebacker and special teams ace, brings a blend of versatility and consistency that the Chiefs need as they push for a top AFC playoff seed. For the Chiefs, this promotion isn’t just a temporary roster adjustment; it’s a strategic move to reinforce two units that will be vital in the playoffs, where every snap and every special teams play can swing a game.

Cole Christiansen Signed from PS to Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs begins with Christiansen’s journey to the Chiefs’ active roster, a path defined by resilience and a willingness to embrace role player duties. The 6’3”, 235-pound linebacker originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Washington Commanders in 2020, after a standout career at Army West Point—where he recorded 205 tackles, 10 sacks, and 4 interceptions over four seasons. In Washington, Christiansen carved out a niche as a special teams standout (playing 70% of the Commanders’ special teams snaps in 2021) and a reliable backup linebacker, appearing in 32 games over three seasons. He joined the Chiefs’ practice squad in September 2026 after being released by Washington, and spent the first 14 weeks of the season impressing coaches with his work ethic and ability to learn the Chiefs’ defensive scheme. “Cole is the kind of player every team wants,” said Chiefs linebackers coach Matt House. “He shows up every day ready to work, he knows his assignments inside out, and he’s willing to do whatever the team needs—whether that’s playing linebacker or covering kicks. He’s earned this spot on the active roster.” For Christiansen, the promotion is a validation of his approach to the game, a reward for staying ready even when he wasn’t on the 53-man roster.

A key context for Cole Christiansen Signed from PS to Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs is the Chiefs’ pressing need at linebacker and on special teams. The Chiefs lost backup linebacker Willie Gay Jr. to a hamstring injury in Week 15, leaving them with only three healthy off-ball linebackers: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Jack Cochrane. Bolton and Tranquill have been reliable starters, but Cochrane is a rookie with limited NFL experience, and the Chiefs need a proven backup to avoid overworking their starters. On special teams, the Chiefs have allowed an average of 25 yards per kickoff return in their last three games—ranking 26th in the NFL over that stretch—and have missed 11 tackles in coverage. Christiansen’s track record as a special teams standout (he has 35 career special teams tackles) makes him an immediate upgrade in coverage, while his experience as a backup linebacker provides much-needed depth. In practice, Christiansen has already worked with the first-team special teams unit, taking reps in kickoff and punt coverage, and has rotated in with the second-team defense at linebacker. “We needed someone who could step in and contribute on both defense and special teams right away, and Cole is that guy,” said Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub. “He’s a smart player, he tackles well in space, and he understands the nuances of special teams coverage. Adding him to the active roster makes us better in both areas.”

Cole Christiansen Signed from PS to Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs also details the specific roles Christiansen is expected to play for the Chiefs. Initially, he will be the primary backup to Bolton at middle linebacker, rotating in on 15-20 defensive snaps per game to keep Bolton fresh—especially in run-heavy situations, where Christiansen’s size and tackling ability (he has a career 88% tackle efficiency rate) can be maximized. On special teams, he will be a core contributor, playing on both kickoff and punt coverage units and potentially handling kickoff return blocking duties. The Chiefs’ special teams unit has been a weak spot this season, and Toub sees Christiansen as a player who can help fix that. “Cole is a difference-maker on special teams,” Toub said. “He’s got good speed, he takes good angles, and he doesn’t miss tackles. We’ve been looking for someone to stabilize our coverage units, and he’s that guy.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Christiansen’s dual role is invaluable: he strengthens a thin linebacker corps while addressing a critical weakness on special teams, all without requiring the team to sign an external free agent who would need time to learn the system.

Another layer of Cole Christiansen Signed from PS to Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs is how this promotion reflects the Chiefs’ approach to building a deep, playoff-ready roster. The Chiefs have long prioritized practice squad players who can contribute on multiple units, as they understand that depth becomes even more important in the playoffs—where injuries are common and special teams plays often decide close games. Christiansen’s promotion is part of a broader strategy: the Chiefs have already promoted two other practice squad players (offensive lineman Mike Caliendo and wide receiver Justyn Ross) in recent weeks, each of whom has filled a specific need. By promoting from within, the Chiefs ensure that the new additions already know the team’s schemes, terminology, and culture—eliminating the learning curve that comes with signing external free agents. “We invest a lot in our practice squad,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “We look for players who fit our culture and can contribute in multiple ways, because we know that at some point, those players will be called upon. Cole is a perfect example of that—he’s been ready since day one, and now he gets to help us win.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this approach not only strengthens the active roster but also fosters a culture of accountability, where every player—whether on the practice squad or the active roster—knows their work matters.

Looking ahead, Cole Christiansen Signed from PS to Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs is a storyline that will unfold in the final weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs. If Christiansen can stabilize the Chiefs’ special teams coverage and provide reliable depth at linebacker, he could become a key role player in the playoffs—especially if injuries strike the linebacker corps. His presence will allow the Chiefs to rest Bolton and Tranquill more in the regular season, ensuring they’re fresh for the postseason, and his special teams contributions could help the Chiefs avoid costly return touchdowns that have plagued them in recent weeks. For Christiansen, this is an opportunity to prove he belongs on an active roster long-term and to contribute to a championship-caliber team. “I’m grateful to the Chiefs for giving me this chance,” Christiansen said in his first press conference as an active roster player. “I’ve worked my whole career to be in this position, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help this team win—whether that’s making a tackle on special teams or stepping in at linebacker. This is why I play the game.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Cole Christiansen’s promotion is a small but important step toward their goal of winning another Super Bowl. Cole Christiansen Signed from PS to Roster by the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just about one player—it’s about the Chiefs’ commitment to building a deep, versatile roster that can withstand adversity and compete at the highest level when it matters most.