Chiefs make surprising decision with Week 2 practice squad elevation, leaving one position depleted vs. Eagles

An undrafted free agent out of Florida State, Knowles got some run with the second-team defense at the nickel corner spot during training camp. He also had a blocked PAT in the preseason Week 3 game against the Chicago Bears.

“I think Kevin (Knowles) has done a great job,” Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo said during training camp. “I mean, he’s a quick Twitch guy, you know, free agent, so he didn’t know a lot about him coming in, but our scouts did a good job identifying guys like that, and I think he’s found a little home at that nickel spot. I think he’s done some really good things for us.”

What does the decision to elevate CB Kevin Knowles mean for the Chiefs?

There was some expectation that the Chiefs might elevate a wide receiver from the practice squad after WR Xavier Worthy was officially ruled out for the Week 2 game. That decision will leave Kansas City with just five active receivers against the Eagles (Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Nikko Remigio, and Jason Brownlee). RB Brashard Smith could also play some wide receiver in a pinch.

Knowles' elevation is likely related to special teams, with rookie CB Nohl Williams likely taking over some return specialist duties this week. He was generally a standout for Dave Toub's special teams unit, including the blocked PAT as mentioned earlier. If he winds up playing any on the defensive side of the ball, that'd be a big surprise and would probably indicate the team is looking for solutions at nickel corner outside of Chamarri Conner.