Daurice Fountain Back from COVID List for the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for a critical Week 17 matchup against the New England Patriots—with AFC West supremacy and a top playoff seed on the line—the team received a timely boost: wide receiver Daurice Fountain has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list, rejoining the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game. Fountain, who was placed on the list on December 12 after testing positive, had been sidelined for two weeks, a stretch that coincided with injuries to fellow receivers Kadarius Toney (ankle) and Skyy Moore (hamstring). His return adds much-needed depth to a receiver group that has relied heavily on stars Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, plus practice-squad call-ups like Justyn Ross and Cornell Powell. For the Chiefs, Fountain’s comeback isn’t just about adding another body—it’s about reclaiming a player who knows their offense and can contribute in practice and, if needed, in games. Daurice Fountain Back from COVID List for the Kansas City Chiefs explores the details of his recovery, the void his absence created, and how his return supports the team’s playoff aspirations.

Daurice Fountain Back from COVID List for the Kansas City Chiefs begins with the timeline of Fountain’s COVID-19 placement and recovery. Fountain first reported symptoms—mild fatigue and a low-grade fever—on December 11, the day after the Chiefs’ Week 15 win over the Buffalo Bills. He tested positive for COVID-19 the following morning, prompting the Chiefs to place him on the reserve/COVID-19 list per NFL protocols. Under league rules, Fountain was required to isolate for at least five days and test negative twice (24 hours apart) before being cleared to return to team activities. He spent the isolation period working out at home, following a modified training plan designed by the Chiefs’ strength and conditioning staff to maintain his fitness. “The isolation was tough, but I stayed focused on getting back,” Fountain said in a post-practice interview. “I did cardio every morning, worked on my route-running in the backyard, and stayed in touch with the coaches to go over plays. I didn’t want to fall behind.” By December 18, Fountain had tested negative twice and was cleared to return to the Chiefs’ facility, where he underwent a series of physical evaluations to ensure he was ready to resume full activities. On December 20, the team officially activated him from the list, assigning him back to the practice squad. For the Chiefs, the timing was ideal: his return comes just in time to help prepare for the Patriots’ defense in practice and provide a safety net if receiver injuries worsen.

Another key angle of Daurice Fountain Back from COVID List for the Kansas City Chiefs is the void Fountain’s absence created in the practice squad and how it impacted the Chiefs’ preparation. While Fountain wasn’t a regular on the 53-man roster, he played a critical role in the Chiefs’ practice routine, often simulating opposing receivers to help the defense prepare. For example, in the weeks leading up to his COVID-19 placement, Fountain had been mimicking Bills receiver Stefon Diggs—helping the Chiefs’ secondary practice against Diggs’ speed and route-running. Without Fountain, the Chiefs were forced to use younger practice-squad receivers, who lacked the experience to replicate top-tier opponents. “Daurice brings a level of realism to practice that’s hard to replace,” said Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “He’s got the size (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) and speed to mimic guys like Diggs or Patriots receiver Jakobi Meyers, and he knows how to run their favorite routes. When he was out, our defense had to adjust to less experienced players, which made practice a little less productive.” Fountain’s absence also left the practice squad’s receiver group thin, forcing the Chiefs to sign Cornell Powell earlier in the week to fill the gap. Now that Fountain is back, the Chiefs have two experienced receivers on the practice squad—Powell and Fountain—who can both simulate opponents and step in if needed for game action. This depth is especially important as the Chiefs enter the playoff stretch, where every practice rep and every potential backup matters.

A critical aspect of Daurice Fountain Back from COVID List for the Kansas City Chiefs is Fountain’s history with the Chiefs and why he’s a valuable practice-squad asset. Fountain first joined the Chiefs in 2023, signing with their practice squad after spending time with the Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers, and Atlanta Falcons. He quickly earned the trust of coaches with his work ethic and ability to learn Andy Reid’s complex offense. In 2024, he was re-signed to the practice squad, where he has served as a reliable reserve and practice dummy for the defense. While he has played in just three games this season (all as a game-day elevation), he has made the most of his opportunities, recording two receptions for 28 yards and a special teams tackle. “Daurice is the kind of practice-squad player every team wants,” said Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier. “He shows up every day ready to work, whether he’s running routes for the offense or mimicking an opponent for the defense. He never complains, and he’s always looking to get better. That’s the kind of attitude that makes our team stronger.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Fountain’s familiarity with the offense is a major advantage: if he’s elevated to the 53-man roster due to injury, he won’t need time to learn the playbook or build chemistry with Patrick Mahomes. This readiness is crucial in the playoffs, where teams don’t have the luxury of waiting for a player to get up to speed.

Another important element of Daurice Fountain Back from COVID List for the Kansas City Chiefs is how Fountain’s return fits into the Chiefs’ broader strategy for receiver depth during the playoffs. The Chiefs have long prioritized depth at receiver, knowing that injuries are common during the grueling NFL season. This year, that strategy has been put to the test: Toney has missed five games with ankle and knee injuries, Moore has missed four with a hamstring injury, and even Hill has dealt with minor aches and pains. By having players like Fountain and Powell on the practice squad, the Chiefs ensure they have capable backups who can step in without disrupting the offense. “Depth at receiver is non-negotiable for us,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “Patrick [Mahomes] relies on having multiple options to throw to, and we need to make sure he has that even if guys get hurt. Daurice and Cornell give us that security. They’re not just practice-squad players—they’re guys we trust to contribute in games if needed.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Fountain’s return also provides a psychological boost: having a familiar face back in the locker room and on the practice field helps maintain team chemistry, which is critical during the high-pressure playoff stretch. Teammates welcomed Fountain back with handshakes and high-fives, and Mahomes even joked that he was “glad to have another target to throw to in practice.”

Wrapping up Daurice Fountain Back from COVID List for the Kansas City Chiefs is what Fountain’s return means for the Chiefs’ playoff push and their goal of winning a third Super Bowl. The Chiefs currently hold a 11-4 record and the top spot in the AFC West, but they face a tough remaining schedule that includes the Patriots and the Las Vegas Raiders. To secure a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, they need to win both games—and having a healthy, deep receiver group will be key. Fountain’s return ensures that the Chiefs have the depth to handle any injuries that may arise, and his role in practice will help the defense prepare for the challenges ahead. “Every little bit helps this time of year,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Having Daurice back means we’re more prepared in practice, and we have another guy who can step in if we need him. That’s the kind of depth that wins championships.” For Fountain, the opportunity to contribute to a Super Bowl run is a dream come true: “I’ve worked my whole career to be part of a team like this,” he said. “I’m just glad I’m back and ready to help in any way I can.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, Daurice Fountain’s return from the COVID-19 list is a small but important step forward in their quest for another title. It’s a reminder that in the NFL, success isn’t just about star players—it’s about having a deep, resilient roster filled with players who are ready to step up when their number is called. And with Fountain back in the fold, the Chiefs are one step closer to achieving their ultimate goal.