Ben VanSumeren, a practice squad elevation for Week 1, is officially on the Kansas City Chiefs’ active roster, and his early impact has special teams coordinator Dave Toub practically giddy. He balled out in their 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos, playing a whopping 79% of the team’s special teams snaps and even getting on offense for three plays.
The Fullback’s Shocking Return
It wasn’t just a one-week thing, folks. VanSumeren, originally signed to the practice squad after cutdown day, got bumped to the active roster full-time after linebacker Cooper McDonald hit the Reserve/Injured list. McDonald is out for at least four games, opening the door wide for VanSumeren to prove he’s more than a temporary fix. This guy, who was a linebacker prospect out of Michigan State in the 2023 NFL Draft class, already converted to fullback last offseason before a season-ending knee injury on the opening kickoff sidelined him. Talk about a comeback!
‘Linebacker in a Fullback Body’
Toub couldn’t stop raving about VanSumeren in his press conference, and when you hear the description, you get why. “The good thing about him is that he is a linebacker, really,” Toub told reporters. “He has a linebacker history in a fullback body.” Seriously? A linebacker who’s also a fullback? That’s just wild. Toub highlighted his insane athleticism, too: “He’s a fast guy; he runs in the [4.4-second range.] He’s a big guy, so he can really help you on special teams.” Coming out of Michigan State, this dude measured 6 feet 2 inches tall and 231 pounds, crushing the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds, with a ridiculous 42-1/2 inch vertical leap and a 10-foot 11-inch broad jump. His RAS was a 9.62!
Toub is pumped to have a “four-phase guy” on the team, and apparently, Head Coach Andy Reid is stoked about having a fullback back in the mix. Toub made it clear that VanSumeren’s special teams experience from other places makes him an easy fit; he just needs to learn the Chiefs’ lingo, which they’re hammering home with reps. This whole situation screams one thing: the Chiefs are turning to pure physicality this season. Seeing VanSumeren or defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga on the field with Patrick Mahomes more often in Week 2 is gonna be a massive statement.
Get ready for more physicality, because Ben VanSumeren, number 47, is locked in for Week 2, ready to bring that “linebacker in a fullback body” energy to both offense and special teams. The Chiefs are making a statement, and you know the rest of the league is taking notice.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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