Chiefs just made a surprising practice squad swap that raises questions

The Kansas City Chiefs made a couple of minor moves on Wednesday in an effort to reshape their options on the practice squad. Normally, such transactions hold little impact and even lesser interest, but there's an exception to be made for this one.

The Chiefs decided to bring back wide receiver Hal Presley to the practice squad before Week 2 gets underway. To create a roster spot, the team has released linebacker Cole Christiansen.

The move to bring in Presley shows a sustained belief on the front office's part that the Chiefs found a potential hidden gem in the former Baylor wideout. Presley was only signed because veteran receiver Justyn Ross asked for, and was granted, his release from the team shortly before training camp was set to begin.

Practice squad are low impact and low interest, but Wednesdays moves at least raise some questions.

Once there, Presley earned a bit of praise in camp and had some solid plays in preseason games. A sizable receiver at 6'2, 210 lbs., Presley had fairly pedestrian numbers in his final season for the Bears, with 31 catches for 429 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, he earned a look from the Buffalo Bills before the Chiefs showed interest, so clearly he was on the radar of scouts around the league.

Presley was released when active roster cuts were due, but was brought back to the practice squad shortly thereafter. Then was waived again when the Chiefs remade the practice squad with a flurry of signings, including the imports of defensive tackles Zacch Pickens and Brodric Martin, shortly before Week 1.

What makes all of this so intriguing is the decision to get rid of Christiansen. The Chiefs now have zero linebackers on the practice squad, at present, and while that can change at any time, it's notable for the absence of any help there. Right now, the PS has five defensive linemen and four defensive backs.

Christiansen is a familiar face who has been a regularly promoted player on game days to help on special teams and provide some defensive depth. He played in a career-high 9 games season for the Chiefs and 15 overall in the last three seasons.

The Chiefs do have six linebackers on the active roster, so there is depth already available to them. Expect the Chiefs to keep Christiansen in view as an option to come back to the practice squad if the need arises.