Dolphins place Tyler Huntley on IR, add veteran DT to practice squad

The Dolphins addressed their lack of defensive line depth by signing a veteran to the practice squad Friday.

The Miami Dolphins placed quarterback on injured reserve, signed wide receiver Dee Eskridge from their practice squad to the active roster, and signed veteran defensive tackle Matt Dickerson to the practice squad, the team announced Friday.

Huntley, 26, started three games for the Dolphins during Tua Tagovailoa’s stint on injured reserve, but exited his third start with a shoulder injury. After missing all three practices this week, the quarterback is now set to miss at least four games on IR.

The addition of Eskridge comes after return specialist Braxton Berrios landed on injured reserve earlier this week with a torn ACL. In three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Eskridge recorded 17 kickoff returns and averaged 25.2 yards.

Dickerson, 28, first joined the NFL in 2018 as an undrafted free agent with the Tennessee Titans and he spent three seasons with the team. In the last few years, Dickerson has had stints with the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta Falcons, and was most recently with the Chiefs in training camp and preseason. In 36 career games, Dickerson has 42 tackles, three tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits.

The Dolphins are in need of defensive line depth after captain Zach Sieler suffered a fractured orbital in practice that will keep him out Sunday. There are only four other defensive linemen on the active roster and Dickerson joins only one other lineman, Neil Farrell, on the practice squad.

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Chiefs release former Raiders mid-round draft pick days before season opener

Chiefs release former Raiders mid-round draft pick days before season opener

The Chiefs hit the practice field today to start game week preparations for their Thursday Night Football opener. And they do so without Neil Farrell Jr and Matt Dickerson. As the two were both released from the team’s practice squad.

Farrell was a round four pick by the Raiders in the 2022 draft as part of Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler’s first draft class. He played nine games as a rookie in Las Vegas, but after showing up out of shape to begin 2023 camp, he was ultimately traded to the Chiefs before the start of his second season.

The former LSU Tiger appeared in three games last season and was among the players the team waived on cutdown day, after which he was re-signed to the practice squad. That lasted a few days before the team simply cut him altogether.

Farrell was one of four defensive tackles the Raiders selected in McDaniels and Ziegler’s two drafts with the Raiders. Only one still remains on the team — 2023 seventh round pick Nesta Jade Silvera. The two highest drafted ones were Farrell and 2023 third round pick Byron Young. Young was waived last week and claimed by the Eagles.

As it happens Dickerson once spent time with the Raiders on their offseason roster in 2021.

Chiefs terminate practice squad contracts of two veteran defensive linemen

Kansas City #Chiefs terminate practice squad contracts of two veteran defensive linemen | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ roster moves aren’t finished, as general manager Brett Veach has made more changes before Thursday’s season opener.

The league continues to shuffle players. Unexpected releases find their way into new teams, forcing general managers to adjust the 53-man roster and the practice squad.

On Saturday night, the Chiefs officially signed running back Emani Bailey and defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu to the Practice Squad. They terminated defensive tackles Matt Dickerson and Neil Farrell’s Practice Squad contracts to make room for the latest signings.

Bailey was an undrafted free agent who was initially waived by Kansas City ahead of the 53-man roster deadline, while Tuipulotu was recently let go by the Philadelphia Eagles. The former 2021 sixth-round pick appeared in 28 games over three seasons for Philadelphia.

The Chiefs part ways with two veteran defensive linemen who spent time on the active roster during last season’s Super Bowl run. The Chiefs acquired Farrell before the beginning of last season after starting his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, and Dickerson played in 12 games, totaling 15 combined tackles in 2023.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach on the value of practice squad players: ‘We’re going to rely on those guys’

Kansas City #Chiefs GM Brett Veach on the value of practice squad players: ‘We’re going to rely on those guys’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs and every team must trim their rosters over the next few days before the regular season begins.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach joined the broadcast team on KMCI 38 The Spot during the start of the second quarter of Thursday’s game vs. the Chicago Bears for his annual conversation in the booth.

He addressed the mindset of handling the main roster and the value of putting together the practice squad.

“With our schedule, and hopefully every year we’re trying to play a 20-game season, you’re going to need those guys. And we don’t really look at these players as practice squad players. We just look at them as an extension of our roster.” said Veach. “A bunch of guys over the years that started out on the practice squad, whether it be Nazeeh Johnson or Jack Cochrane and last year, Matt Dickerson, so every year we’re going to rely on those guys.”

Veach and his front office staff will work with the coaching staff over the next few days to trim the roster. He appreciates the coaches’ support in making these decisions and getting the most out of potential practice squad candidates.

“We’ve just been fortunate that our coaching staff does a great job again,” said Veach, “Not just with the starters, but they do a great job of coaching up the young guys on the practice squad because it’s not a matter of if but when we’ll need them throughout the course of the season.”

The Chiefs could have several former practice squad players make this year’s regular season roster—a credit to the development and system built in Kansas City during the successful Super Bowl run.

Chiefs re-sign DT Matt Dickerson before the start of OTAs

#Chiefs re-sign DT Matt Dickerson before the start of OTAs | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to bring back a familiar face at the start of Phase 3 of the offseason workout program. Recently released defensive tackle Matt Dickerson was announced as the latest signing on Monday via the team’s transactions tracker.

Dickerson was released by the Chiefs last week to free a roster spot but stayed on the team’s radar ahead of OTAs. The 28-year-old has floated between the main roster and the practice squad for most of his career but earned a Super Bowl ring last year with his efforts.

Dickerson started his career with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018, followed by stints with the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders. He spent last season with the Chiefs playing 12 games, tallying 15 tackles while appearing in 190 snaps on defense and seven on special teams. He notably played in the postseason divisional round victory against the Buffalo Bills.

Retaining players who understand Steve Spagnuolo’s system is vital to the unit’s continued growth. This strategy has allowed General Manager Brett Veach to retain essential members of the starting defensive line this offseason.

Former Titans who won a Super Bowl ring with Chiefs

A look at the former Titans players who won a Super Bowl ring with the Chiefs.

The 2023 season is now officially in the books after the Kansas City Chiefs topped the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday night, 25-22.

The contest was the second in Super Bowl history to go to overtime. The 49ers started off the extra frame with a field goal drive but the inevitable Patrick Mahomes drove right down the field for the game-winning score.

Kansas City can now be called a dynasty, with the Chiefs winning three Super Bowls in five years, including each of the last two.

Now, a look at the former Titans on Kansas City’s roster who will be getting a Super Bowl ring after Sunday night.

Chiefs activate WR Mecole Hardman from injured reserve

Chiefs activate WR Mecole Hardman from injured reserve

The Kansas City Chiefs made significant roster changes on Saturday before their New Year’s Eve matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. A veteran offensive spark is set to return, while a defensive role player was waived.

Mecole Hardman will officially be off of injured reserve and have his questionable status from the latest injury report removed ahead of Week 17. Hardman had been out of action since his Week 11 injury against the Philadelphia Eagles. The thumb injury suffered in the Monday night loss in November was initially believed not to be serious since he did return in the second half. The questionable status lifted from his name is a positive trend that he could see action on Sunday.

The Chiefs also activated practice squad players, running back Keaontay Ingram and defensive tackle Mike Pennel. Defensive tackle Matt Dickerson was waived as part of the roster moves on Saturday; he appeared in eleven games this season as a reserve defensive lineman. The 28-year-old could potentially return to the team’s practice squad if another team does not claim him.

Hardman fills an immediate void left by Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, both dealing with injuries. He should also have a presence on special teams in the punt return game.

DL Matt Dickerson led Chiefs in PFF grade vs. Packers

Matt Dickerson earned the #Chiefs’ highest PFF grade for his performance against the #Packers in Week 13

The Kansas City Chiefs’ dismal performance in Week 13 resulted in a loss to the Green Bay Packers and knocked the team down in the AFC playoff standings.

Injuries on defense played a key factor in the disappointing defeat, and as Kansas City looks to pick up the pieces and win out in the coming weeks, it may be wise to lean on a few unsung heroes who helped keep the tilt against Green Bay close.

Surprisingly, defensive lineman Matt Dickerson led the Chiefs with a 79.8 PFF grade in Week 13 and may have played himself into a more substantial role with his performance.

While his contributions to Kansas City’s defense were relatively minimal, Dickerson’s presence was among the few things that went right for the Chiefs in this game.

With the playoffs on the horizon, expect defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to call Dickerson’s number more in key situations after his showing against the Packers.

Chiefs called up DL Matt Dickerson from practice squad ahead of kickoff vs. Lions

The #Chiefs elevated defensive lineman Matt Dickerson from their practice squad ahead of their Thursday night kickoff against the #Lions.

The Kansas City Chiefs elevated defensive lineman Matt Dickerson from their practice squad ahead of their Week 1 kickoff against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night.

Star pass rusher Chris Jones’ decision to continue his holdout through the Chiefs’ first regular season game made Dickerson’s activation a necessity for Kansas City as the team prepares to face a hard-nosed Lions rushing attack.

For his part, Dickerson will be seeing his first regular-season action as a Chief in the matchup, though he isn’t necessarily expected to play a crucial role. A UCLA product, Dickerson has been in the NFL since 2018 and has suited up for 24 total games in his career. He has never started a game.

Moves like this may become commonplace for Kansas City as the regular season wears on if the Chiefs’ negotiations with Chris Jones continue to stagnate. Veterans Derrick Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton will be called on to fill Jones’ role until the All-Pro lineman returns.

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Chiefs make flurry of roster moves on Wednesday

The #Chiefs continue to shuffle their roster following rookie minicamp, releasing two players and signing three more.

The Kansas City Chiefs made several roster moves on Wednesday, including waiving a recently-signed undrafted free agent, releasing a veteran defensive tackle and signing three players.

According to the NFL’s personnel notice for Wednesday, the Chiefs have waived Missouri S Martez Manuel. Manuel recently participated in the team’s rookie minicamp after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He spoke with media members following Monday’s practice, where he told reporters that he hoped to make football his full-time job. It appears that won’t happen in Kansas City at least for now.

Next, the Chiefs released vested veteran DT Byron Cowart from the 90-man roster. Cowart, a former fifth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2019, was signed on a one-year deal back in March.

In corresponding roster moves, the Chiefs have signed DL Matt Dickerson, DT Chris Williams and DB Lamar Jackson, bringing their 90-man offseason roster to completion once more. None of those players were present for tryouts at the team’s rookie minicamp.

Dickerson (6-5, 292 pounds) is the most familiar of the three players. The Chiefs originally signed Dickerson to the 90-man roster in August of 2022 and he remained with the team until roster cuts. He was one of the only players waived by Kansas City that was claimed by another team. Chiefs Wire was told at the time that the team intended to sign him to the practice squad.

Williams (6-2, 302 pounds) is a former undrafted free agent out of Wagner, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020. He’s appeared in 13 games with the Colts over three seasons, with 107 total defensive snaps and 13 special teams snaps. During that span, he recorded six total tackles and one quarterback hit.

Finally, the Chiefs added Lamar Jackson. . . No, not that Lamar Jackson.

A former undrafted free agent corner out of Nebraska in 2020, Jackson has made the rounds during his NFL career with stops in New York, Chicago and most recently Denver. The 6-foot-3 and 215-pound corner has appeared in 22 career games with six starts, recording 31 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and four passes defended during that span.

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