The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for their Week 13 showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders with a critical roster adjustment.
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed that quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be without tight end Peyton Hendershot, who was placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week. In response, the Chiefs have promoted tight end Anthony Firkser from the practice squad, adding depth to a position group that has been hit hard by injuries.
Hendershot, acquired from the Dallas Cowboys during the offseason, played a total of 36 offensive snaps from Weeks 9 to 12. While his contributions to the offense were limited—recording one catch in each of the last three games—his primary role was on special teams, where he logged 51 snaps under coordinator Dave Toub. His absence leaves a noticeable gap in the Chiefs’ special teams unit, prompting Reid to elevate Firkser to the active roster.
Firkser’s role in Kansas City remains uncertain ahead of Friday’s game, but his presence offers Mahomes an additional option in the passing game. With Travis Kelce and Noah Gray firmly established as Mahomes’ top targets at tight end, it’s likely that Firkser will assume a role similar to Hendershot’s, contributing primarily on special teams while being available for situational offensive plays.
The tight end position has been a revolving door for Kansas City this season. The Chiefs have already lost Jody Fortson and Jared Wiley for the remainder of the 2024 campaign, leaving the team thin at a position that has historically been a key component of Reid’s offensive system. Firkser’s promotion offers much-needed depth and a potential safety valve for Mahomes in short-yardage and red-zone situations.
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Firkser’s NFL journey has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted in 2017, the New Jersey native initially signed with the Chiefs’ practice squad during his rookie year. He later found a more stable role with the Tennessee Titans, where he spent four seasons from 2018 to 2021. His time in Tennessee was the most productive stretch of his career, but since then, he has bounced around the league, with stints on the rosters of the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, New England Patriots, and New York Jets.
Now back in Kansas City, Firkser has a chance to carve out a niche in a Chiefs offense that could use his experience and versatility. Though his role may start on special teams, Reid has a track record of maximizing the talents of players who step up in times of need. Firkser’s familiarity with the Chiefs’ system and his previous experience as a reliable target in Tennessee could make him a valuable asset as Kansas City pushes toward the postseason.
Mahomes, who has consistently relied on Kelce and Gray throughout the 2024 season, now has another veteran tight end in his arsenal. While Firkser may not see significant targets right away, his ability to adapt and contribute when called upon could provide Mahomes with the depth he needs to navigate a grueling late-season schedule.
The Chiefs’ decision to activate Firkser underscores the importance of maintaining flexibility and depth as injuries continue to impact their roster. With a tough divisional matchup against the Raiders looming, Reid and Mahomes will be counting on every available weapon to secure a win and maintain their position atop the AFC standings.
As Kansas City looks to solidify its playoff positioning, the promotion of Firkser is a reminder of the “next man up” mentality that has defined the Chiefs under Reid’s leadership. Whether on special teams or as an emergency option in the passing game, Firkser has a prime opportunity to prove his worth on one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
The Chiefs’ injury woes at tight end are a challenge, but they also present an opportunity for players like Firkser to step up and make an impact. With Hendershot sidelined and Fortson and Wiley out for the year, Firkser’s ability to contribute in both phases of the game could be crucial as the Chiefs navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
Friday’s game against the Raiders will be a pivotal test for Kansas City, and Firkser’s performance could be a key storyline to watch as the Chiefs continue their pursuit of another deep playoff run.