Tag: Chiefs

Texans sign former starting TE to active roster ahead of Chiefs game

Houston Texans tight end Irv Smith Jr. is getting a promotion before Saturday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Houston Texans are calling up Irv Smith Jr. for the remainder of the 2024 season.

The Texans elected to sign the veteran tight end to the active roster following two standout games as a member of the practice squad, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The tight end has become a position of need with Cade Stover’s recent medical concern. Last week, Stover had to undergo emergency appendectomy surgery the night before the Miami game and has yet to recover.

Smith, who’s served as a quality blocker in his place, now should take over as the long-term answer until Stover is healthy. It’s expected the rookie will miss the next two games, but could be cleared to return before the team’s season finale against the Tennessee Titans.

For his career, Smith has 109 career receptions in the NFL for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Last season with the Cincinnati Bengals, he caught 18 passes for 115 yards and one touchdown last season in 12 games.

A second-round pick out of the University of Alabama, Smith’s best season came during his rookie campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. He caught a career-high 36 passes for 311 yards. The following season, he finished with a career-best 365 yards and five touchdowns in 2020 for Minnesota.

Kickoff from Arrowhead is scheduled for noon CT. The game will be nationally televised on NBC.

Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins on Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo’s success with Chiefs

Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins spoke to @EdEastonJr about Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo’s success with Chiefs

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer and Philadelphia Eagles legend Brian Dawkins.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Dawkins discussed representing Boehringer & Lilly’s It Takes 2 health initiative at the Rose Parade, spreading awareness about getting tested for kidney disease, and his thoughts on former Eagles coaches Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo’s success in Kansas City.

As part of his role as a campaign advocate, Dawkins will be riding in a custom float at the parade titled “It’s In Your Hands: It Takes 2,” designed to empower people to take control of their health.

Kidney disease is a progressive and potentially life-threatening condition that impacts more than 35 million adults in the U.S. Dawkins’ parents have a history of both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which makes it critical for both to focus on their kidney health and is why he joined the cause.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDsU8YjS6v8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Dawkins spent thirteen of his sixteen NFL seasons in Philadelphia, where Andy Reid primarily coached him. Steve Spagnuolo served as a defensive assistant coach during Dawkins’ tenure. The nine-time Pro Bowler believed the team’s current success in Kansas City should have happened in Philadelphia.

“What you’re seeing in Kansas City, I thought that was going to be in Philadelphia,” Dawkins explained. “I thought it would be Andy (Reid) still coaching here, and once Jim (Johnson) moved on. However, that was going to be, I didn’t think it was going to be because we lost him to cancer, but I thought he would move on, and then Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) would step into his space. But Spags got an opportunity to go to the (New York) Giants, and the rest is history.”

Reid was the Eagles’ head coach from 1999 to 2012. During his 14-year tenure, he compiled the best win total, winning percentage, and playoff victory total in team history. He won six division titles and made five trips to the NFC Championship game.

“He’s been doing his thing now at Kansas City all these many years later,” Dawkins said. “But first of all, I’m proud of them for sticking to it, of staying in there if Andy went through some tough times in Philadelphia, and of all the things that had him then leave and stop coaching for a while and collect himself.

“Then, he’s come back better. Like he’s coming back with more understanding of how to do different things better. So you can see the evolution of both of them, of how they call games and all those things. And because of that, I believe that that’s one of the reasons the team is in a position to win every year: they both have seen so much.”

Aside from Reid’s three Super Bowl victories with the Chiefs, he’s added more to the NFL record books. He is the only NFL coach to win 100 games and appear in four consecutive conference championships with two teams.

“There’s only so much you can throw in an offense defensively, as far as blitzes are concerned, disguises, and there’s only so much you can do on the offensive side of the ball that they have not seen,” Dawkins explained. “I believe they have the counters for a lot of the things that are thrown their way. And then they have capable talent that the players that, more than likely, I would tell you, police, the locker room themselves, and they don’t have to be told a whole bunch of things when it comes to that. And then they go out and perform at a very high level.”

The following links provide more information on Eli Lilly’s It Takes 2 & TestYourKidneys.com.

Chiefs scouting report: Texas A&M Aggies DE Nic Scourton

Texas A&M #Aggies defensive end Nic Scourton might be one of the top targets for the Kansas City #Chiefs in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs lose several impactful defensive linemen and pass rushers in free agency after the 2024 season. The 2025 NFL draft features more than enough productive pass rushers to help the Chiefs replace their departing talent.

Texas A&M Aggies pass rusher Nic Scourton is a muscular 6’4″, 285 lb. defensive end with good arm length. He doesn’t explode off the line consistently, but his best snaps challenge elite college offensive tackles up the arc. Scourton uses his long arms and powerful upper body to pry open the B-gap. He also attacks inside with spins or rip counters.

Scourton’s pass rush plan includes bull rushes, club-swims, cross-chops, long-arms, rips, two-handed swipes and arguably the best spin moves in the 2025 draft. His ability to convert speed to power is inconsistent, but he knocked offensive tackles down several times over the past two seasons.

Scourton’s motor runs hot in pursuit, and he turns outside runs back inside. He lacks the speed and change of direction to mirror explosive athletes on the perimeter. Scourton struggles to keep offensive linemen out of his frame because his arm extensions collapse. His play strength is impressive but not dominant at the point of attack.

Scourton’s tight frame limits his ability to bend and win around the offensive tackle’s outside shoulder. He lacks the hand counters to revive his bull rush once his leg drive stalls out. His inaccurate chops and swipes expose his frame to punches from offensive linemen that derail his rush path.

Scourton projects as a mid-second to early third-round selection in the draft. He has the upside to develop into a starter.

Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins comments on the NFL schedule: ‘I don’t feel this is the best situation’

Kansas City #Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins comments on the NFL schedule: ‘I don’t feel this is the best situation’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have an unusual schedule, playing three games in a short time frame. Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has played in many challenging seasons but has never experienced a schedule like this, as he told reporters during Thursday’s press conference.

“I’ve never played this many games in a short amount of time; I think the league should definitely do something about that,” said Hopkins. “As they preach player safety, I don’t feel this is the best situation for any team. I think the league should review that after the season, just to see how they can help player safety in the future.”

The Chiefs are playing three games in ten days to accommodate their Christmas Day matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers next Wednesday. If Kansas City can win the next two games, they will clinch the top overall seed regardless of what the Buffalo Bills do the rest of the season.

Hopkins will be getting some help in the wide receiver room with the expected debut of Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown, who hasn’t played this season due to injury.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo shares his thoughts on the Texans offense: ‘They’re in complete synergy’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo shares his thoughts on the Houston #Texans offense: ‘They’re in complete synergy’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters on Wednesday about his game plan to slow down the Houston Texans’ offense this Saturday.

“They (Texans QB C.J. Stroud and Texans WR Nico Collins) look like they’re in complete synergy (meshes hands together), and not just those two and not just that wideout,” said Spagnuolo. “I think they have a tight end (Texans TE Dalton Schultz) that’s really effective, their slot receivers (Texans WR Tank Dell) really good, and then the running back (Texans RB Joe Mixon), who we saw a lot when he was in Cincinnati –boy, what a find he was for them and he – and not just as a running back. He catches the ball out of the backfield, too.”

The Chiefs defense held the Cleveland Browns to seven points in last Sunday’s 21-7 victory, registering a season-high six takeaways in the process. It marks the club’s first game with six or more takeaways since the team recorded eight takeaways vs. the New York Jets in a Week 3 game in the 2016 season. 

“We hadn’t played the Texans since C.J. (Stroud) had gotten there, so we really hadn’t studied them other than seeing highlights and whatnot, but he’s as impressive as you had heard about people talking. (He’s) really poised for a second-year quarterback, and I think he just has a unique ability to move around in the pocket and still have his eyes downfield.” said Spagnuolo. “He makes a lot of plays slipping in and out of the pocket and finding an open receiver, and when a quarterback can do that, I think that’s pretty dangerous.”

The Texans have clinched a postseason spot this year and will likely host a wild-card game. Kansas City’s last home regular-season game will energize the defense, which will be looking to repeat last week’s performance.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid addressed several injuries ahead of Week 16: ‘Guys were out there working’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed several injuries ahead of Week 16: ‘Guys were out there working’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of questions heading into Week 16 regarding injuries to key players. Andy Reid spoke with reporters on Thursday, delivering the final injury report, including two players declared out for Saturday.

“Alright, as far as the guys that didn’t practice today, it was Chamarri (Conner) and D.J. (Humphries), and then the rest of the guys were out there working. I know the questions are about Patrick (Mahomes),” said Reid. “He worked out this week, full, and will most likely end up playing. We’ll just see how things worked out today – rotated guys at the left tackle position, Joe Thuney being one of them, and then the young guys (Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia) so – and we’ll just finalize that as we get closer here, but they all got work in there.”

Reid also revealed that veteran wide receiver Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown will likely play this week and make his season debut after a long injury recovery.

“Yeah, there’s a good chance on that,” said Reid. “He’s (Hollywood Brown) done a nice job. I mentioned earlier just about (how) it’s not – it wasn’t
his legs, so he’s been able to run and keep himself in running shape, but the rest of it where the surgery wasn’t at, he – it looked good, and (he) was doing fine, yeah.”

Brown and Mmahomes participated fully in practice throughout the week, which raised their chances of playing in the home regular-season finale.

Heisman trophy winner Charlie Ward praises Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ success

Florida State legend and 1993 Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward praises Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ success w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Florida State Seminoles and college football legend Charlie Ward.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Ward discussed his support for The Wuerffel Foundation at the Pickle Bowl: Heisman Edition event at Life Time Pickleball NYC. He also shared his thoughts on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, drawing comparisons to another legendary Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

“Danny Wuerffel and his foundation go into pickleball, and I’m just happy to be able to support him. I’m just here for him,” said Ward. “That’s what this is all about: being able to support each other and our different endeavors. So, those were great calls and an excellent opportunity to get guys together. Happy to be here. ”

Ward joined fellow Heisman award winners Tim Tebow, Cam Newton, Eric Crouch, and Johnny Rodgers, with pickleball pros Ryan Sherry and Kate Fahey for the event. The Wuerffel Foundation’s mission is to inspire greater service and unity in communities.

Wuerffel counsels and mentors community leaders in under-resourced neighborhoods across the United States and helps facilitate introductions to philanthropically-minded supporters.

The former 1993 Heisman winner notably chose a long career in the NBA instead of the NFL and was initially considered by the Chiefs as a potential backup to then-quarterback Joe Montana. He stood his ground in preferring a higher NFL draft selection, so he couldn’t guarantee to join training camp since he would eventually become a first-round selection of the New York Knicks.

“I don’t support one team. I support friends, people I know, but it’s hard not to support Patrick Mahomes,” Ward explained. “He’s very Tom Brady-ish, and it’s hard to beat the guy, no matter who you put in front of him or who is on his team. Those are the kind of guys that are generational going for Super Bowl number three.”

Ward may not openly support any team, but he appreciates Mahomes’ accomplishments as he seeks an unprecedented three-peat.

The following links provide more information on Pickle Bowl and The Wuerffel Foundation.

Week 16 Rooting Guide: Best outcomes as Ravens eye a top four seed

We’re looking at the Week 16 rooting guide for Baltimore fans as the Ravens look to move up into the top four seeds

The Ravens (9-5) are second in the AFC North and all but guaranteed to make the playoffs regardless of what happens in Week 16. Still, a loss to the Steelers and a Houston Win over Kansas City could send Baltimore sliding to the sixth seed, with a matchup against the Texans looming in Week 17.

Overall, a bad two weeks for Baltimore could put John Harbaugh’s team down as far as the seventh seed and on a collision course with Buffalo in the wild-card round.

There are ways back to the No. 3 or four seed, and that starts with a win over Pittsburgh on Sunday and some help down the stretch.

With Thursday night football quickly approaching, we’re looking at the Week 16 rooting guide for Ravens fans.

Amazon Prime Broncos (9-5) vs. Chargers (8-6)

Both teams are all but guaranteed to make the postseason and could face the Bills or Steelers in the wild-card round. We’re rooting for a Chargers upset, which would lock Baltimore into the fifth spot and put it on a collision course with Houston.

Root for Chargers

NBC, TELEMUNDO, UNIVERSO Texans (9-5) vs. Chiefs (13-1)

Houston would have to fall off the cliff and lose three straight for Indianapolis to take that No. 4 seed as the AFC North winner. Baltimore matches up well with the Texans and the Colts, so a Kansas City win is a positive.

Root for Chiefs

CBS Browns (3-11) vs. Bengals (6-8)

The Bengals (7%) currently have the lowest odds of any team still eligible for the playoffs, but this explosive offense could make noise in the postseason.

Root for Browns

CBS Patriots (3-11) vs. Bills (12-2)

Defeating the Steelers and eventually gaining control of the AFC North could put the Ravens as high as the No. 3 seed. A loss or two by the surging Bills could get Baltimore to as high as the No. 2 seed if they can win out.

Root for New England

Chiefs OC Matt Nagy trusts Patrick Mahomes’ injury judgement: ‘Be honest with us’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy trusts Patrick Mahomes’ injury judgement: ‘Be honest with us’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs enter their last home game of the regular season with significant concerns about the health of their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. He continues to practice with a high ankle sprain, and his availability remains uncertain.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke to reporters on Wednesday about Mahomes’ injury and whether the reigning Super Bowl MVP will be honest about potentially being unable to play on Saturday.

“Just for him (Patrick Mahomes) to be able to be honest with us as he goes through this. It’s all part of the game (and) we know he’s a tough kid, so we understand that, but at the same point in time, you want to be smart,” said Nagy. “I think, you know – we know our schedule this week and (it’s) a little bit of a shorter week, so there’s a balance there to that, but so far, I think his  mindset is to do everything (that) he can, but at the same time, you still have to be able to see how he does throughout the week.”

Carson Wentz continues taking additional practice reps to prepare for a possible starting role against the Houston Texans. Head Coach Andy Reid and Nagy will have to make the tough choice of who to have under center on game day.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones praises veteran’s impact: ‘Vital for our defensive line’s success’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones praises Charles Omenihu’s impact: ‘Vital for our defensive line’s success’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs defense had its most productive game in Week 15’s victory over the Cleveland Browns. Multiple players with sacks and interceptions included veteran defensive lineman Charles Omenihu.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones spoke with reporters on Wednesday about Omenihu’s getting his first sack as necessary to motivate him for the postseason run.

“Well, the big relief (is that) Charles (Omenihu) got his first sack. We were able to make sure Charles got a sack and make sure you got in the rhythm,” said Jones. “We definitely need Charles playing his best, especially towards the end of the year, and creep up into the playoff. It can be vital for our defensive line success. I think he’s continuing to do that; Tershawn Wharton is playing some of his best ball right now. And got to keep George (Karlaftis) at it.”

Omenihu recorded his first sack since returning from injury two weeks ago. He now has eight sacks since joining the Chiefs in 2023. He missed six games to start last season due to suspension but still finished with ten sacks.