Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chiefs Announce TE Decision Before Raiders Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Parker Johnson | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 7:42 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs (6-10) have one more game remaining in the 2025 NFL season against the Las Vegas Raiders (2-14) at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. After reaching the Super Bowl in five of the past six seasons, Kansas City will miss the NFL playoffs this year for the first time since 2014.

As their disappointing campaign concludes, the game against the Raiders will be the final opportunity for Chiefs players to state their case on the field for a role on the team next season. One major example is quarterback Chris Oladokun, who has become the starter after late-season injuries to star QB Patrick Mahomes and backup Gardner Minshew.

The Travis Kelce era could be over in Kansas City after the 2025 NFL season.Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Another position of intrigue is tight end. Four-time All-Pro Travis Kelce, 36, will be a free agent this offseason and his potential retirement has been the talk of the NFL world lately — from his brother, Jason Kelce, to his longtime quarterback, Mahomes.

Kelce has been the starting tight end and a Pro Bowl selection every season since 2015, so the idea of finding a replacement in head coach Andy Reid's offense has not been high on Kansas City's priority list for nearly a decade. Kelce has not made any decisions yet, but if he retires, he would leave behind a huge hole based on his production. In 2025, he leads the team with 73 receptions, 839 receiving yards and five touchdowns (tied).

With one more chance to evaluate the other tight ends on the roster in game action, the Chiefs announced on Friday that one exciting option, rookie TE Jake Briningstool, will not make the trip for the Raiders game.

"Trey Smith and Jake Briningstool are out," the team confirmed in its final injury report on Friday.

George Karlaftis, Isiah Pacheco, Jaylon Moore, and Jerry Tillery are questionable for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Xavier Worthy is doubtful.

Trey Smith and Jake Briningstool are out.
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 2, 2026

Briningstool, an undrafted rookie out of Clemson, suffered a hamstring injury in training camp and went on injured reserve in August. He was designated to return to practice on Dec. 17 and was a full participant in the Chiefs' last six practices. The return was a positive sign that he might get a look in the final contest, but instead, he will finish his first pro season with zero game time.

Over the summer, the 6-foot-6 tight end's impressive performances had him in the mix to compete for a backup role this season. The Chiefs have a deep stable of tight ends, but no standout option behind Kelce. Noah Gray, Robert Tunyan and Jared Wiley are the other three on the depth chart, in that order, heading into Week 18.

Jake Briningstool (9) set several school records at Clemson before signing with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images

Even though he's not involved in the final game, Briningstool could have a bigger role next season. Beyond the uncertainty around Kelce, Gray has a potential out in his contract after 2025, Tonyan will be a free agent and Wiley only has two catches in his first two seasons.

The Chiefs-Raiders game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday on CBS.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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