The Kansas City Chiefs made several roster moves on Tuesday, primarily affecting their practice squad, as the team continues to shuffle players and adjust for both depth and injury concerns. Among the notable moves, kicker Matt Wright was added to the practice squad, while tight end Baylor Cupp was restored from the injured reserve list. At the same time, the Chiefs placed tight end Peyton Hendershot on injured reserve, waived defensive end Cameron Thomas, and released offensive tackle Lucas Niang and defensive end Truman Jones from the practice squad.
A Familiar Face: Baylor Cupp’s Return
For Chiefs fans, the return of Baylor Cupp is one of the more intriguing developments of the day. Cupp, an undrafted free agent from Texas Tech, had impressed enough during the offseason, training camp, and preseason to earn a spot on the practice squad. During the preseason, he showed potential, recording three receptions on three targets for 25 yards and a touchdown. However, Cupp’s path to contributing to the Chiefs’ offense was derailed when he was placed on the practice squad injured reserve prior to the team’s Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Though Cupp was unlikely to see immediate playing time due to his injury, the time off hindered his development, which the Chiefs will look to accelerate now that he’s back in the fold. With limited experience at tight end—just 23 receptions for 246 yards and four touchdowns over three years at Texas Tech—Cupp is still a raw talent, and his time on injured reserve has certainly stunted his growth in Kansas City’s offense.
But the Chiefs have proven they can develop tight ends, with Noah Gray being the prime example of their ability to nurture talent at the position. If Cupp can continue his development under the tutelage of head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the Chiefs could be grooming another promising player at tight end—an essential role in their high-powered offense, especially once Travis Kelce eventually retires.
Tight End Depth Takes a Hit: Peyton Hendershot Heads to IR
While Cupp’s return is encouraging, the Chiefs did have to place another tight end, Peyton Hendershot, on injured reserve. This move creates a gap in the depth at a position that has been crucial for Kansas City in recent seasons. Hendershot had been providing some depth, but with his injury sidelining him, the team is now looking to Cupp and Gray to pick up the slack in the short term.
More Moves on the Roster: Departures and Changes
Along with the tight end moves, the Chiefs also made adjustments along the defensive line and the offensive line. Defensive end Cameron Thomas was waived, and defensive end Truman Jones, along with offensive tackle Lucas Niang, was released from the practice squad. These moves further signify that the Chiefs are evaluating their depth and making changes where necessary, possibly in anticipation of future needs or to accommodate other player developments as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead: Tight End Development for the Future
As the Chiefs prepare for the second half of the season, the return of Baylor Cupp could prove to be a significant move for their long-term planning. While the team is focused on this year’s championship aspirations, developing a solid group of tight ends for the future could be just as important. With Kelce continuing to lead the tight end room, Cupp’s time on the practice squad will give him a chance to soak in the playbook and gain valuable experience in the Chiefs’ system.
If Cupp can step up and follow in the footsteps of players like Noah Gray—who has carved out a role as a reliable contributor—Kansas City could be set at tight end for years to come, even after Kelce’s eventual departure. For now, fans will keep an eye on Cupp’s development as he works to carve out a place in the Chiefs’ offense, while the team’s other moves show that they are always looking to stay ahead and prepare for both the present and the future.
