Chiefs Announce Roster Move After Player's Unexpected Absence Before Week 1

The Chiefs announced a corresponding roster move on Tuesday after placing RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the reserve/non-football injury list, elevating DT Marlon Tuioulotu to the active roster ahead of Thursday's Week 1 matchup with the Ravens.

Kansas City just signed Tuipulotu at the end of last week, sniping the former sixth-round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles. He appeared in 14 games in 2023, notching 22 tackles and a pair of sacks in the process.

He'll add depth to the defensive line rotation, though fans shouldn't expect him to play a major role in his first game.

Chiefs Promote DT Marlon Tuipulotu to Active Roster

Edwards-Helaire's absence is a unique situation for the Chiefs. They recently signed Samaje Perine and found a hidden undrafted gem with Carson Steele, so the running back room still has adequate depth behind Isiah Pacheco.

That being said, the rotation will miss Edwards-Helaire's experience and ability, especially as a pass-catcher. Perine is still learning the offense, while Steele has never played in an NFL game. At the least, the team is putting a lot of faith in two players who haven't truly proven anything in a Chiefs uniform yet.

Tuipulotu is an exciting player to see develop. Kansas City's roster doesn't have many holes, though defensive tackle could be considered one. If he turns into a valuable contributor, that'll represent a big win for Brett Veach and the front office.

For now, the immediate implications of these moves indicate the offense will lean heavily on Pacheco in Week 1. Expect him to receive the bulk of the running back work, with Perine and Steele likely only commanding a handful of snaps a piece.

It's an interesting situation to be in against one of the NFL's best defenses and one the coaching staff will have to carefully manage moving forward should Edwards-Helaire's absence last longer than four games.

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