These Chiefs practice squad predictions bring back cuts fans didn’t want to lose

The dust has settled on roster cuts, but the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t done building things out just yet. On Wednesday, the team will roll out its 2025 practice squad, a 16-man group (likely 17, really) that might not make headlines now but could end up shaping the season in surprising ways.

Practice squads are where future contributors hide in plain sight and where general manager Brett Veach keeps some insurance policies for a long road ahead. Teams are allowed to keep up to 6 veterans without worrying about the number of accrued seasons, which allows for some experienced options to stick around.

So who makes the cut? We’ve got some educated guesses. Here are our predictions if the Chiefs stick with players we know (which, of course, won't be the case).

Owen Carney, DE

Of all of the practice squad guesses here, this is the most uninspiring. However, Carney has been with the team for two stints now, and a defensive end is needed in the bunch. However, if the Chiefs went with an external edge option, no one should be surprised.

Cole Christiansen, LB

Cole Christiansen ended up here last year and was elevated multiple times on game days. A valuable piece to have as depth and security with special teams ramifications.

Mac Delana, WR

Delana is a diminutive receiver who plays more physical than you'd expect. He's also experienced playing all over with return capabilities as well.

Mike Edwards, S

The Chiefs are allowed to carry six veterans with any level of experience, so Edwards can and should take up one of those spots. Having someone with his experience would create a solid floor in case of emergency.

Chu Godrick, OL

This is the easiest prediction, because the Chiefs have an exemption via the league's International Pathways Program to be able to keep Godrick on the practice squad without taking up another spot.

C.J. Hanson, OL

Hanson feels like a solid bet to return given that he was always a long-term play upside play. The Holy Cross grad entered the NFL with literally one of the best athletic profiles for the position to come along in years. It makes sense the Chiefs would want to continue to invest in his development.

Jimmy Holiday, WR

Holiday is one of the true sleepers of this lot as a former tryout player from Louisiana Tech who really turned heads with strong practices and preseason play. Forget this season. Keeping Holiday around could reap dividends in 2026 and beyond.

Cam Jones, LB

The Chiefs entered the season a year ago with two linebackers on the practice squad, and it makes sense to do so again when they're familiar faces like Christiansen and Cam Jones.

Kevin Knowles, CB

Kevin Knowles was a sleeper candidate to make the active roster, so the Chiefs would be thrilled if he slipped through waivers to land on the practice squad.

Fabien Lovett Jr., DL

Lovett was a popular breakout candidate coming into this season, but he's still a welcome presence here with Marlon Tuipulotu (see below) to provide some options in case of emergency along the defensive interior.

Glendon Miller, DB

The Maryland product was undrafted this past spring, but he showed solid potential in Chiefs camp in St. Joseph and the squad could use another DB as it is.

Chris Oladokun, QB

Chris Oladokun is the safest prediction on this list besides Godrick because he's been QB3 and will remain in that role as he aids the Chiefs scout teams by being able to mimic the play of Lamar Jackson and other mobile QBs.

Esa Pole, OT

This would be a dream scenario for some Chiefs fans convinced Pole is a real long-term asset at tackle. We certainly hope so. The massive tackle didn't allow a single pressure this preseason.

Carson Steele, RB

Steele was on the bubble to make the active roster, but it's also hard to believe he'd hold obvious value for another team. A start to the season on the practice squad makes a lot of sense here for both player and team.

Robert Tonyan, TE

Tonyan's exclusion from the active roster is nothing but roster gymnastics. As a veteran player, Tonyan is free to sign where he pleases, and that freedom allows the Chiefs to maneuver some things around before the season begins. But it's impossible to believe K.C. wants him anywhere but Arrowhead.

Marlon Tuipulotu, DL

Tuipulotu might have a potential suitor or two out there, but let's say he slips through waivers to give the Chiefs a known commodity on the practice squad to boost the interior. They've gone this route before with the likes of Matt Dickerson, so it makes sense here.

Tre Watson, TE

The Chiefs were enticed by Watson's athletic makeup and signed him despite pedestrian production in college—last season he had 20 catches for 280 yards and 1 touchdown at Texas A&M. A preseason injury didn't help his development, but the Chiefs typically keep a tight end on hand.