The Kansas City Chiefs lost Jake Briningstool in the first week of training camp, with the tight-end suffering a hamstring injury. It was already an uphill battle for the undrafted rookie to make the Kansas City roster. Now, it appears a complete impossibility due to the emergence of Robert Tonyan throughout camp and the preseason. Briningstool would need a truly epic final week of camp and the preseason to have a legitimate shot at making the roster. As difficult as this might be to accept, it is the harsh reality of the business.
Undrafted rookies already have an incredibly difficult path to make an NFL roster. There simply isn't the extra room to miss an extended period of time. Add in the fact that the pass catcher wasn't healthy long enough to make an impression, and it is clear that a roster cut is ahead. Tonyan is a big piece of this with the veteran emerging as a surprise producer.
Spending his best seasons with the Packers, the veteran appears to have turned back the clock. There is already a level of trust from Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, giving reason to wonder what role the tight end might play early in the season. With the franchise needing to save Travis Kelce's best moments for when it matters most, Tonyan could fill a surprise role.
#Chiefs rookie TE Jake Briningstool returned to the practice field this afternoon as well.
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) August 18, 2025
First time we've seen him practicing since suffering a hamstring strain toward the end of week one of training camp. pic.twitter.com/M5Hz2cY6Hw
Chiefs Rookie Pass Catcher Jake Briningstool Returns to Practice
According to Matt Foster, the rookie is back in the fold for the first time since the first week of training camp. Jake Briningstool is practicing and will likely play in the final preseason game of the season. With this in mind, the tight end is going to need a truly impressive performance to have a chance to change minds about his future.
The rookie could still have an outside chance of making the practice squad as well if he can put together a strong finish. This is the most realistic goal with where we are in camp and the preseason. Briningstool simply lacks the time to put together a case to be anything more. Leaving the rookie with a clear goal over the next week.
For the Chiefs, it is a welcome problem to have that both the tight end and receiver positions suddenly have become difficult decisions at the bottom of the depth chart. It speaks to the improved depth and a hope that Mahomes and the KC offense is poised for a breakout season.