Kansas City Chiefs shuffle their practice squad; release longtime preseason darling

This is the corresponding move to make way for new wide receiver Tyquan Thorton, who the Chiefs signed to their practice squad on Monday. Kansas City now meets the 16 player maximum on their practice squad, plus offensive lineman Chukwuebuka Godrick, who they get an exemption for through the International Pathway Program.

Powell was a fifth-round pick by the Chiefs in 2021 and has spent his entire four-year NFL career in Kansas City, mostly on the practice squad. The only regular season action he saw came in 2022 in Week's 10-12. He played 28 snaps on special teams during that time, but only three on offense, never recording a catch.

Powell had his moments throughout various training camps and preseason games, but ultimately just couldn't advance beyond the practice squad. He caught two touchdown passes during the 2024 preseason, one of which went for 64 yards. Powell will now try to catch on with a new team and compete for a chance to contribute.

As for Thorton, he gets a fresh start with the Chiefs after an injury riddled 2.5 seasons with the New England Patriots. Unlike Powell, Thorton has produced during the regular season, recording 39 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns. He has blazing 4.2 40-yard dash speed, which we know coach Andy Reid knows how to utilize.