Veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries took the practice field with the Kansas City Chiefs for the first time on Tuesday, four days after agreeing to join the team. However, it’s still unclear when he will be able to contribute to the team.
The Chiefs have been in need of help at left tackle, where Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia have struggled to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. This prompted general manager Brett Veach to reach out to Humphries, who has been recovering from a torn ACL he suffered in Week 17 of last season while playing with the Arizona Cardinals.
Humphries’ addition is rare, as the Chiefs are chasing their third consecutive Super Bowl title, and he is a former Pro Bowl player.
“You can’t remember too many of them that come in to play like that,” said Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “Getting to meet D.J. and know what he’s about — ironically, our icebreaker, his dad and I were teammates in the Arena League in 2004. It makes you feel old. But he was great. I love his personality and he’s excited to get in here and learn what we do.”
The Chiefs, who are 10-1 and lead the AFC by one game over Buffalo, will face the Raiders on Friday at Arrowhead Stadium.
Humphries will need some time to adjust, both because he’s new to the team and also due to the recovery from his knee injury. With six games left in the regular season, the Chiefs have time to ease him back in.
“It’s probably day to day to see where he’s at,” Nagy said. “There’s so much that goes into it with any player that comes off an injury, and to a new team on top of that. It’s going to take some time.”
It was a busy day for the Chiefs with several roster moves, especially given the quick turnaround between their game-winning kick by Spencer Shrader to beat Carolina last Sunday and their upcoming matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday.
Shrader, who has been perfect on field goals and PATs in place of injured kicker Harrison Butker, missed practice on Tuesday with a hamstring injury, which could also keep him out of this week’s game. The Chiefs signed Matthew Wright, who was released by San Francisco on Nov. 15, to the practice squad and will use him if needed.
To make room for Humphries, the Chiefs put tight end Peyton Hendershot on injured reserve with a calf injury. Linebacker Cameron Thomas also did not practice on Tuesday due to illness. Offensive lineman Lucas Niang and defensive lineman Truman Jones were released from the practice squad, while tight end Baylor Cupp was added back to the practice squad.
More changes could happen as running back Isiah Pacheco and pass rusher Charles Omenihu may play on Friday.
Pacheco has been on injured reserve since Week 2 after fracturing his right fibula against Cincinnati. He has been practicing for the past couple of weeks, but the Chiefs have been cautious in preparing him to return. Kareem Hunt has played well in his place, but adding Pacheco would give the Chiefs a stronger and more flexible backfield.
“The best part about that is you don’t have just one where he’s getting worn down, to where he’s 50 or 60 percent in the third quarter,” Nagy said. “Now you have two that are working at 100 percent. When they’re up and running, we feel pretty strong about who they are and how much they can help us, and we’re excited about it.”
The Chiefs are also excited to get Omenihu on the field for the first time since he tore his ACL in the playoffs. The Chiefs’ pass rush has struggled to pressure quarterbacks, with only four NFL teams having fewer sacks than their 21.
“Charles’ versatility, going inside and out, adds another level of depth to our defense, especially the D-line,” said Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. “And he’s a pass rusher. It’s always good to get more pass rushers on the field.”
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