Veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries practiced with the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time on Tuesday, just four days after signing with the team. Despite his arrival, it remains uncertain when he will be ready to contribute on the field.
The Chiefs have faced challenges at left tackle, where Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia have struggled to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. This prompted General Manager Brett Veach to bring in Humphries, who has been recovering from an ACL tear suffered in Week 17 last season while playing for the Arizona Cardinals.
Humphries, a former Pro Bowl player, joins the Chiefs as they aim for their third straight Super Bowl title. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy noted the rarity of such a late-season addition, sharing a personal connection with Humphries: Nagy once played with Humphries’ father in the Arena League in 2004. “It’s funny how small the world is,” Nagy said. “D.J.’s got a great personality, and he’s eager to get acclimated.”
At 10-1, the Chiefs lead the AFC by a game over the Buffalo Bills and are set to face the Raiders on Friday at Arrowhead Stadium. While Humphries is expected to strengthen the offensive line, he’ll need time to adjust due to his recovery and the transition to a new team. Nagy emphasized patience, saying, “It’s day to day. Coming off an injury and joining a new team is a process.”
Tuesday also brought several roster updates. Kicker Spencer Shrader, filling in for the injured Harrison Butker, missed practice with a hamstring issue. The Chiefs signed Matthew Wright to their practice squad as a backup option. Tight end Peyton Hendershot was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury, while linebacker Cameron Thomas missed practice due to illness. The team released offensive lineman Lucas Niang and defensive lineman Truman Jones from the practice squad and re-signed tight end Baylor Cupp.
Running back Isiah Pacheco and pass rusher Charles Omenihu could also return soon. Pacheco, on injured reserve since Week 2 with a fractured fibula, has been practicing cautiously. His potential return would complement Kareem Hunt, who has performed well in his absence. Nagy highlighted the advantage of having a two-man backfield, saying, “When both are fresh, it keeps them performing at 100 percent throughout the game.”
Meanwhile, Omenihu, sidelined since tearing his ACL in last year’s playoffs, is set to bolster the Chiefs’ struggling pass rush. With just 21 sacks this season, the Chiefs rank near the bottom of the NFL in quarterback pressure. Defensive tackle Chris Jones welcomed Omenihu’s versatility, stating, “Having another pass rusher adds depth and gives our defense a boost.”
As the Chiefs prepare for their final stretch, these roster changes could play a key role in their push for another championship.
