Chiefs Make Surprise Local Signing After Big Preseason Injury
By Jovan Alford
The Kansas City Chiefs were dealt an unfortunate injury on special teams in Saturday’s game against the Detroit Lions. The Chiefs saw starting long-snapper James Winchester leave the contest with a shoulder injury.
Without Winchester handling long-snapping duties, the Chiefs turned to backup tight end Noah Gray, who never snapped before. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gray was coached up on the sidelines and did a good job.
However, Kansas City doesn’t want to be in a similar situation heading into Thursday night’s final preseason game. On Monday, Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride reported that the Chiefs signed former Kansas State standout Randen Plattner to handle snapping duties.
To make room for Plattner on the 90-man roster, the Chiefs waived injured offensive lineman McKade Mettauer.
The long snapper signed to replace James Winchester (shoulder) temporarily is KState product Randen Plattner.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 19, 2024
It’s cool to see the Chiefs give the former Kansas State player and Parkville, Missouri native to snap in the final preseason matchup. Plattner likely won’t make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster or practice squad. But he can get some tape and reps on Thursday to get another NFL or pro football opportunity.
The 6-foot-3 long snapper played in 62 career games at Kansas St. (second-most in school history) and was a semifinalist for the Patrick Mannelly Long Snapper of the Year award last season.
After his collegiate career ended at Kansas State, Plattner was invited to the 2024 Hula Bowl. Plattner went undrafted but signed with the Baltimore Ravens in May, but was waived by the team on Aug. 11.
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