Tyreke Smith Just Got Elevated by the Chiefs, And His Path To Playing Is WILD

The Kansas City Chiefs just pulled the trigger, elevating linebacker Cole Christiansen and defensive end Tyreke Smith from their practice squad for Week 3’s showdown against the Miami Dolphins. This isn’t just a simple roster move, folks. For these two, it’s a one-week shot at the big time before they head right back to the grind.

Cole Christiansen’s Call-Up Was Totally Expected

Look, when you’ve only got four linebackers on your 53-man roster, bringing in an extra hand for game day just makes sense. That’s exactly why Cole Christiansen’s elevation wasn’t a shocker. This veteran has already proven he can step up, making the call for Week 2’s crazy overtime victory against the Indianapolis Colts. He even logged 18 special teams snaps in that game, showing he can contribute right away. For a team needing depth at a crucial position, Christiansen is that reliable safety net, ready to jump in.

A Former Seahawk Gets a Chance, But Will He Play?

Now, let’s talk about Tyreke Smith. This one is a real head-scratcher. Our Seattle fans might remember Smith from his time with the Seahawks, who drafted him in the fifth round out of Ohio State back in 2022. He’s bounced around the league since then, spending last season on the Chiefs’ practice squad. The wild part? Despite getting brought onto the active roster late last year, he hasn’t actually appeared in a single game for the Chiefs.

So, why the elevation now if his path to playing against Miami is “difficult,” barring injury? It’s like a cruel twist of fate for the guy. Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah popped up on the injury report earlier in the week with a sore quad, limited in practice. But then, boom, he was back practicing in full for the next two days and has no injury status for Sunday’s game. That means Smith is riding the pine unless something goes sideways last minute. It’s a tough break for a player looking for his shot. Adding to the defensive line shuffle, the Chiefs actually passed on elevating defensive tackle Marcus Harris, who they’d brought up for the first two games. Instead, rookie nose tackle Bryson Eason looks ready to make his Chiefs debut after getting claimed off waivers just last month.

So, these guys get their one game. After Sunday’s final buzzer, both Christiansen and Smith head right back to the practice squad. The big question for Chiefs fans, and for anyone who remembers Smith’s time in the Emerald City, is whether this former Seahawk will actually get a chance to take a single snap against the Dolphins. It’s a fascinating look at the edges of an NFL roster and how quickly things can change, even if only for a game. Let’s see what happens when the Chiefs kick off against Miami!

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.