After a long day of silence on October 7, the Kansas City Chiefs finally revealed their decision on practice squad elevations ahead of the Week 5 matchup with the New Orleans Saints.
Although most of the KC media and fanbase expected a wide receiver promotion like Justyn Ross or Nikko Remigio, the Chiefs elected not to utilize their practice squad elevations for the fifth consecutive week according to reporters Matt Derrick (Chiefs Digest) and Charles Goldman (A-to-Z Sports).
It’s a curious move from Kansas City considering the Chiefs only have five wide receivers on the active roster after injuries to Hollywood Brown and Rashee Rice, but the likely explanation is that head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach determined that they would not dress Ross or Remigio for the Monday night contest — even if they were available.
In that scenario, it’s more useful to save their potential practice squad elevations for another week, considering each player only gets three of them throughout the regular season.
This reveal also hints that veteran wide receiver Mecole Hardman is most likely available on Monday night despite being “questionable” with a knee injury.
As Derrick noted on October 7, the Chiefs do have four tight ends on the 53 after the Jody Fortson signing this week. So, don’t be surprised if you see a TE-heavy gameplan from KC on Monday night.
Along with passing on elevations, veteran running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was not signed to the active roster ahead of Week 5, per Derrick, meaning he will not make his return against the Saints. Kareem Hunt is expected to start at running back for the time being, with undrafted rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine available in the backfield as well.
Chiefs Continue to Show Lack of Trust in WRs Justyn Ross & Nikko Remigio
Ross and Remigio have become fan favorites over the past couple of years, but the organization has not always shared the same faith in them as the fanbase. This decision is another clear example of that.
The Chiefs reunited with Fortson on September 26 after the tight end was cut by the Miami Dolphins this summer, and they signed him to the active roster almost immediately. Ross — who has a similar skill set as a red zone threat and vertical option — was once again passed over, on the other hand.
It’s gone that way for Remigio as well, despite a good deal of praise from KC coaches throughout his two training camps with the team.
Ross appeared in 10 games during the 2023 campaign, but only caught 6-of-11 targets for 53 yards. Remigio has yet to see regular season NFL action since entering the league.
Both have shown flashes throughout the summer when healthy but have lacked consistency. At times, some have also questioned Ross’ knowledge of the playbook.
KC Reporter Predicts Chiefs RBs & TEs Will Be ‘Heavily Involved’ vs. Saints
After the practice squad elevation news, Goldman reminded his followers of the Chiefs’ skill position players heading into Monday Night Football versus the Saints.
He later added that “I think TEs/RBs will be heavily involved given that the Saints won’t have [linebacker] Willie Gay Jr. on the field.”
A healthy helping of Travis Kelce is never a surprise, but that could mean more Noah Gray and Jared Wiley than usual in Week 5. Similarly, a combination of Hunt, Steele and Perine may also be utilized against New Orleans.
Either way, expect plenty of creativity from Reid, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and quarterback Patrick Mahomes II on the evening of October 7.
