3 Chiefs sleepers who moved one step closer to a roster spot

With one more preseason game remaining on the Kansas City Chiefs' schedule, it's the last chance for some of the lesser-known names on the roster to show that they belong on the team in some capacity in 2025. The final preseason game will give those players extra time to show what they can do.

These three players might not have been considered locks to make the Chiefs' 53-man roster entering the preseason, but after some solid performances so far, they could be successfully changing their narrative. Let's look at some Chiefs sleepers w ho look to have moved closer to landing on the 53-man roster.

Robert Tonyan, TE

Robert Tonyan went from a wild card to compete for a fringe tight end role. Now, he's pushing younger competitors down the Chiefs depth chart.

The journeyman veteran joined the Chiefs last December as a practice squad player and then signed again in March to compete for a roster spot. With Travis Kelce and Noah Gray locks to make the roster, Tonyan knew his work was cut out for him, but he's delivered this summer with consistently strong practices and productive games.

Tonyan has led the Chiefs in receiving yards in both of their preseason exhibitions so far. Again st the Cardinals, he put up 3 catches for 49 yards. In the Chiefs' Week 2 loss to Seattle, Tonyan tallied five catches for 41 yards and a touchdown, proving that he can make some noise on offense.

At this point, the Chiefs are going to have to keep four tight ends in order to secure Jared Wiley for the future, because Tonyan has made it clear he's an asset in the present.

Tyquan Thornton, WR

When it comes to the wide receiver position, five players are locks to make the team. That leaves either one or two spots, depending on how many WRs the Chiefs opt to roster. With Hollywood Brown's injury and everything going on with Rashee Rice, keeping seven receivers makes a lot of sense.

If true, it bodes well for Tyquan Thornton, whom the Chiefs signed to their practice squad last November. Thornton, a former second-round pick by the Patriots in 2022, is hoping that a change of scenery can change his NFL narrative. While it's only the preseason, he's looked good as a Chief throughout games and training camp.

Thornton might not have panned out in New England, but if he can create some chemistry with Patrick Mahomes, perhaps he can reinvent himself. Crazier things have certainly happened.

Kevin Knowles, CB

Kevin Knowles is the long shot of the bunch, but a case could be made for the rookie free agent corner to make the final roster. He's battling with Joshua Williams and others for the final cornerback spot right now, but he could provide the Chiefs with a cheaper option at the position.

Unfortunately for Knowles, the Chiefs would probably have to trade Williams in order for him to make it onto the team. He's shown some potential this summer and tracks as a likely practice squad candidate.

Something that could play out in Knowles' favor is the number of injuries that have hit the cornerback room. Obviously, Chiefs Kingdom doesn't want to see the team deal with those concerns, but that could help Knowles find his way onto the team.