With Patrick Mahomes out for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL and the Kansas City Chiefs eliminated from postseason contention, fans are looking ahead to the offseason and the 2026 season.
However, before we can flip the calendar to the offseason, the Chiefs still have three games left to play this season, which could help set the stage for next season. For players like rookie tight end Jake Briningstool, who has yet to see a single regular-season snap, it's the chance to show the Chiefs’ coaching staff that he could be a part of their immediate future in 2026.
On Wednesday, Kansas City announced that it designated Briningstool and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson to return to practice. The Chiefs placed the undrafted free agent on injured reserve at the end of the preseason in August with a hamstring injury.
The former Clemson tight end initially suffered the injury during training camp. Before he got hurt, there was a lot of buzz about Briningstool and what he could bring to the table. Now, with the Chiefs opening up the rookie's 21-day practice window, it gives Briningstool a chance to practice and play over the next few weeks.
Jake Briningstool Suddenly Back on Chiefs' Radar as Potential TE Option
If you’re Kansas City head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, you’d love to see the rookie get out on the field. As we know, the tight end position for the Chiefs could be in a state of flux this offseason.
There’s some uncertainty around the future of Travis Kelce, who may or may not hang up the cleats this season. And then there’s Jared Wiley, who has played in nine total games through his first two years in the league after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Noah Gray won’t become a free agent until 2028, but he has a potential out in his contract in 2026. With uncertainty around Kelce, it would be shocking to see the Chiefs get rid of Gray as they’ll need someone with experience and familiarity.
And then there’s Robert Tonyan, who has been the TE3 this season in KC, and is scheduled to become a free agent as well.
If you’re in Briningstool’s shoes, there’s a path to putting yourself on the radar for the 53-man roster if you can practice well and give the Chiefs a reason to let you play. Now, there’s always the case that Kansas City just lets him practice and never activates him.
However, the Chiefs obviously believe in the former Clemson tight end’s upside, as they gave him a hefty bag after the draft. Kansas City should keep all options open when it comes to the TE room, as they enter an offseason of change.