On Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs made significant roster moves as they placed four players—cornerback Trent McDuffie, wide receivers Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton, and cornerback Jaylen Watson—on injured reserve. This decision underscores the team’s ongoing efforts to manage player health amid a competitive season.
In response to these injuries, the Chiefs have strengthened their roster by signing defensive end Ethan Downs, cornerback Melvin Smith, and tight end Tyreke Smith to active contracts. Additionally, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson was activated from injured reserve, further bolstering Kansas City’s secondary.
Trent McDuffie, a key player for the Chiefs, was a standout during his college career at Washington, where he was recognized as a first-team All Pac-12 honoree in 2021 and earned second-team honors in 2020. Selected with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2022 draft, McDuffie signed a substantial four-year contract worth nearly $14 million, which included a signing bonus of over $7 million.
By 2025, McDuffie made his mark on the Chiefs’ defense, participating in and starting 13 games during the season. His contributions included 63 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble, seven pass defenses, and one interception, highlighting his impact on the field.
These roster adjustments demonstrate the Chiefs’ proactive approach in navigating the challenges posed by player injuries, aiming to maintain their competitive edge as the season progresses.