Cornell Powell Joins PS After Moves by the Kansas City Chiefs

In a series of roster adjustments aimed at strengthening depth for the playoff stretch, the Kansas City Chiefs announced on Wednesday that wide receiver Cornell Powell has been signed to their practice squad. The move comes one day after the Chiefs waived practice-squad defensive end Malik Herring to free up a spot, a decision driven by the team’s immediate need for additional support at wide receiver—where injuries to Kadarius Toney (ankle) and Skyy Moore (hamstring) have left the unit thin behind stars Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. For Powell, the signing marks a homecoming: he was originally drafted by the Chiefs in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and spent two seasons with the team before being waived in 2023. Now, with the Chiefs in pursuit of their third Super Bowl title in five years, Powell’s familiarity with the team’s offense and locker room culture makes him a valuable addition to the practice squad. Cornell Powell Joins PS After Moves by the Kansas City Chiefs explores the context of the roster moves, Powell’s history with the Chiefs, and how his signing supports the team’s postseason goals.

Cornell Powell Joins PS After Moves by the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the roster domino effect that cleared a path for Powell’s return. The Chiefs’ need for receiver depth became urgent after Toney and Moore were listed as questionable for Week 17’s game against the New England Patriots—both have missed the last two games, and their return timelines remain uncertain. To address this, the Chiefs first promoted practice-squad receiver Justyn Ross to the 53-man roster last week, but that left a gap in the practice squad’s receiver group. With few internal options to fill the spot, the Chiefs turned to waiving Herring, a defensive end who had played just 8% of the team’s defensive snaps this season. The move was strategic: the Chiefs still have four healthy defensive ends on their 53-man roster (George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, and Charles Omenihu), making Herring expendable. “Roster management this time of year is all about prioritizing needs,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach in a press release. “We have great depth on the defensive line, but we needed to add a receiver who knows our system and can step in if called upon. Waiving Malik was a tough call, but it allowed us to bring in Cornell, who fits what we need right now.” For Powell, the timing couldn’t have been better: he had been a free agent since being waived by the Seattle Seahawks in October, and he jumped at the chance to rejoin the team that first gave him an NFL opportunity.

Another key angle of Cornell Powell Joins PS After Moves by the Kansas City Chiefs is Powell’s history with the Chiefs and why he’s a logical fit for the practice squad. Powell’s NFL journey began in Kansas City, where he spent his rookie season (2021) on the practice squad before being promoted to the 53-man roster in 2022. During his two seasons with the Chiefs, he played in 16 games, primarily on special teams and as a reserve receiver, recording 5 receptions for 72 yards. While he never became a regular contributor on offense, he earned a reputation for his work ethic and ability to learn the playbook quickly—traits that stuck with Chiefs coaches even after he left. “Cornell was always a guy who showed up ready to work,” said Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier. “He knows our terminology, he understands how we run routes, and he’s comfortable with Patrick [Mahomes] throwing him the ball. That’s a big advantage for a practice-squad player—he doesn’t need weeks to get up to speed. He can contribute in practice this week, which helps our defense prepare for opposing receivers.” Powell’s familiarity with the Chiefs’ offense also means he could be elevated to the 53-man roster quickly if injuries worsen—something the Chiefs want to avoid, but need to plan for. For Powell, returning to Kansas City feels like a second chance: “I never wanted to leave in the first place,” he said in a post-signing interview. “This organization believed in me when no one else did, and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help this team win.”

A critical aspect of Cornell Powell Joins PS After Moves by the Kansas City Chiefs is how Powell’s addition strengthens the practice squad’s role in preparing the Chiefs for playoffs. Practice-squad players often fly under the radar, but their impact is significant: they simulate opposing teams’ players in practice, help starters stay fresh by taking reps in drills, and serve as emergency backups. With the Chiefs set to face playoff-caliber defenses in the coming weeks—including the Patriots’ physical secondary and the Las Vegas Raiders’ aggressive pass rush—having a receiver like Powell who can mimic opponents’ playstyles is invaluable. For example, in practice this week, Powell will likely simulate Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers, a quick slot receiver who poses a threat to the Chiefs’ secondary. “Our practice squad is like our secret weapon,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “These guys work just as hard as the starters, and they make our team better every day. Cornell can step in and play multiple receiver spots, which lets us replicate what we’ll see on Sundays. That preparation is what wins games in December and January.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Powell’s signing also provides insurance: if Hill or Ross gets injured, Powell can be elevated to the 53-man roster and contribute immediately—something that would be harder with a receiver who doesn’t know the offense. In the high-stakes world of the NFL playoffs, that kind of flexibility can be the difference between winning and losing.

Another important element of Cornell Powell Joins PS After Moves by the Kansas City Chiefs is the broader strategy behind the Chiefs’ practice squad signings this season. The Chiefs have long viewed their practice squad as an extension of their 53-man roster, prioritizing players with NFL experience and familiarity with their system over unproven rookies. This approach has paid off: in Week 16, practice-squad promotee Justyn Ross caught three passes for 45 yards in the Chiefs’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and practice-squad running back La’Mical Perine filled in admirably for Isiah Pacheco in Week 14. By signing Powell, the Chiefs are doubling down on this strategy—adding a player who not only has NFL experience but also knows the nuances of Reid’s offense. “We don’t sign practice-squad players just to fill spots,” Veach said. “We sign guys who we think can contribute to this team, whether it’s in practice or in a game. Cornell fits that mold. He’s a professional, he’s a team player, and he’s got the skills to help us if we need him.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this strategy is especially important during the playoffs, when every roster spot matters. Practice-squad players often become unsung heroes: they stay ready, they work tirelessly, and they step up when their number is called. Powell, who has already been part of the Chiefs’ playoff runs in 2021 and 2022, understands what’s at stake—and he’s ready to contribute in any way he can.

Wrapping up Cornell Powell Joins PS After Moves by the Kansas City Chiefs is how this signing reflects the Chiefs’ commitment to building a deep, resilient roster. In the NFL, injuries are inevitable, and playoff teams are often defined by their ability to weather those injuries. By signing Powell, the Chiefs are ensuring they have a safety net at wide receiver—a position that’s critical to Mahomes’ success. Powell’s return also speaks to the Chiefs’ culture: they value loyalty and familiarity, and they’re willing to give former players a second chance if they fit the team’s needs. “This organization is special because they don’t forget about you,” Powell said. “Even after I left, they kept in touch, and when they needed a receiver, they called me. That means a lot. I’m not here just to be on the practice squad—I’m here to help this team win a Super Bowl.” For the Chiefs, Powell’s signing is a small but important piece of their playoff puzzle. It’s a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t just about having star players—it’s about having depth, preparation, and players who are willing to put the team first. As the Chiefs head into the final weeks of the regular season, every roster move is made with one goal in mind: hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February. Cornell Powell Joins PS After Moves by the Kansas City Chiefs may not be a headline-grabbing move, but it’s exactly the kind of strategic decision that has made the Chiefs one of the NFL’s most consistent winners. And with Powell now back in the fold, the Chiefs are one step closer to achieving their ultimate goal.