Jody Fortson Among Practice Squad Signings for the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL, practice squad signings are often about more than just filling roster spots—they’re about reuniting with familiar talent, adding positional depth, and keeping proven contributors within the team’s ecosystem. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that philosophy is on display with Jody Fortson Among Practice Squad Signings for the Kansas City Chiefs. Fortson, a 28-year-old tight end who has spent parts of the past four seasons with the Chiefs (split between the active roster and practice squad), returns to the organization after a brief stint on the New England Patriots’ practice squad earlier this season. The move comes at a critical time for the Chiefs, who have dealt with minor injuries to their tight end group (including a recent ankle tweak to Travis Kelce) and need reliable depth as they push through the final weeks of the regular season and into the playoffs. For Fortson, the signing is a homecoming—a chance to rejoin a team that knows his strengths, trusts his work ethic, and values his role both on and off the field.

Jody Fortson Among Practice Squad Signings for the Kansas City Chiefs is rooted in Fortson’s history of contributing to the Chiefs’ success—even when he’s not on the active roster. A former undrafted free agent out of Valdosta State, Fortson first joined the Chiefs in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite for his physical style of play and ability to step up in key moments. In 2021, he played in 13 games (starting three) and caught 14 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns, including a critical 20-yard reception in the Chiefs’ AFC Divisional Round win over the Bills. His progress was derailed by a torn ACL in 2022, but he returned in 2023 to play in 10 games, primarily on special teams and as a blocking tight end. Even this season, before joining the Patriots, Fortson spent training camp with the Chiefs, impressing coaches with his improved route-running and consistency as a blocker. “Jody is a guy we know and trust,” said Chiefs tight ends coach Tom Melvin. “He understands our system, he works his tail off every day, and he’s proven he can contribute when called upon. Bringing him back makes sense for us—both now and down the line.” Fortson echoed that sentiment: “Kansas City is home for me. I know this offense, I know the guys in the locker room, and I’m ready to do whatever the team needs to help us win.”

A key reason Jody Fortson Among Practice Squad Signings for the Kansas City Chiefs makes strategic sense is the team’s current need for tight end depth. While Travis Kelce remains the focal point of the Chiefs’ passing game, backup tight ends Noah Gray and Blake Bell have dealt with minor injuries in recent weeks—Gray missed one practice with a hamstring strain, and Bell has been limited by a shoulder issue. With the Chiefs in “win-out territory” to secure the AFC West, they can’t afford to be shorthanded at a position that’s critical to their offense (Kelce leads the team in receptions and receiving yards). Fortson’s addition provides a safety net: he can step in as a blocking tight end on running plays, spell Kelce for short stretches to keep him fresh, and even contribute as a red-zone target (his 6-foot-4, 245-pound frame makes him a mismatch against smaller linebackers). “Depth at tight end is crucial for us,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “We use multiple tight end sets regularly, and having a guy like Jody—who knows our plays and can execute without hesitation—gives us flexibility. If something happens to Travis or the other guys, we know Jody can step in and get the job done.” For the Chiefs, this isn’t just a precautionary move; it’s a way to ensure their offense remains dynamic and unpredictable, even if injuries force adjustments.

Jody Fortson Among Practice Squad Signings for the Kansas City Chiefs also highlights the team’s commitment to building continuity and culture—two pillars of their sustained success. The Chiefs have long prioritized re-signing players who understand their system and fit their locker room dynamic, rather than bringing in unfamiliar talent who need time to adjust. Fortson embodies that philosophy: he knows Andy Reid’s offensive playbook, has chemistry with Patrick Mahomes (the two connected on several key plays in 2021), and is respected by his teammates for his work ethic and positive attitude. Even on the practice squad, Fortson will play a valuable role: he’ll mimic opposing tight ends in scout team drills, helping the Chiefs’ defense prepare for upcoming opponents like the Raiders and Bengals, and he’ll provide mentorship to younger tight ends like rookie Chamarri Conner. “Culture matters here, and Jody is a big part of that,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “He’s the kind of player who lifts everyone up—whether he’s on the active roster or the practice squad. Bringing him back isn’t just about football; it’s about keeping our team tight and our culture strong.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this focus on continuity isn’t just a nicety—it’s a competitive advantage. Players who know the system and each other can execute faster, make fewer mistakes, and adapt more quickly to in-game changes—all critical traits for a team chasing another Super Bowl.

Another important angle of Jody Fortson Among Practice Squad Signings for the Kansas City Chiefs is the flexibility it provides the team as they head into the playoffs. NFL teams can elevate up to two practice squad players per week to the active roster, and Fortson is a prime candidate for those elevations—especially if Kelce or the other tight ends need extra rest, or if the Chiefs face an opponent that requires a physical blocking tight end (like the Bengals, who have a strong run defense). Even if he’s not elevated, Fortson’s presence on the practice squad gives the Chiefs a familiar option to sign to the active roster if an injury occurs during the playoffs. “Playoff rosters are fluid,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “You never know who you’ll need, and having guys like Jody in the building—guys who know our system and can contribute right away—gives us peace of mind. He’s a guy we can count on, and that’s invaluable this time of year.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this flexibility is key: it allows them to stay agile, respond to injuries or opponent tendencies, and keep their active roster focused on the immediate task at hand—winning games—without worrying about filling depth gaps with unfamiliar players.

Looking ahead, Jody Fortson Among Practice Squad Signings for the Kansas City Chiefs is a small but meaningful move that reflects the team’s attention to detail and commitment to winning. Fortson may not be a household name, but his return strengthens the Chiefs’ tight end group, supports their culture, and provides valuable flexibility as they chase another Super Bowl title. For Fortson, the signing is a chance to prove himself once again—to show that he’s fully recovered from his past injuries, that he can still contribute at the NFL level, and that he’s worthy of a spot on the Chiefs’ playoff roster. “I’m not here to just be on the practice squad,” Fortson said. “I’m here to work, to help this team win, and to earn my way back onto the active roster. That’s always been my goal, and it’s not going to change now.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this signing is a reminder that championship teams are built not just with superstars, but with role players who are willing to put in the work, learn the system, and contribute wherever they’re needed. Jody Fortson is exactly that kind of player—and his return could end up being a key piece of the Chiefs’ playoff puzzle.