Big Boost as Veteran star player joins the Chiefs following his recovery from a torn ACL

Veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries is making his way back to the NFL after recovering from a torn ACL, and he’s doing so with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Humphries, who spent much of his career with the Arizona Cardinals, signed with the Chiefs just days ago and hit the practice field for the first time on Tuesday.

However, his immediate impact on the team is uncertain, as he continues his recovery while adapting to a new team and system.

The Chiefs have faced challenges at left tackle this season, with players like Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia struggling to adequately protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.

To address this issue, Kansas City’s general manager, Brett Veach, reached out to Humphries, a former Pro Bowl player.

Humphries is expected to provide much-needed depth and experience, but it remains unclear when he’ll be ready to take on a major role with the team.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy acknowledged the challenges Humphries faces, not just from his ACL recovery, but also from joining a new team midseason.

With the Chiefs boasting a 10-1 record and leading the AFC by a narrow margin, they’re focused on maintaining their momentum as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Las Vegas Raiders.

While the team has room to ease Humphries back into action, his integration will be a key storyline over the final stretch of the regular season.

Nagy noted that Humphries’ recovery timeline is day-to-day, with adjustments needed both for his physical readiness and familiarity with the Chiefs’ offensive schemes.

In addition to Humphries’ arrival, the Chiefs made several other roster moves as they prep for their game against the Raiders.

Kicker Spencer Shrader, who has been perfect on field goals in place of the injured Harrison Butker, missed practice with a hamstring issue, leading the team to sign Matthew Wright to the practice squad as a backup.

To make room for Humphries on the roster, the Chiefs placed tight end Peyton Hendershot on injured reserve with a calf injury.

The Chiefs are also preparing to get back running back Isiah Pacheco, who has been on injured reserve since Week 2. Pacheco, who fractured his fibula earlier in the season, has been practicing again and could add another layer of strength to the Chiefs’ backfield. His return, along with pass rusher Charles Omenihu, who’s recovering from an ACL tear of his own, could provide significant boosts to both the offense and defense as Kansas City aims to extend their dominance in the AFC. With the playoffs approaching, these moves signal the Chiefs’ commitment to remaining a top contender for the Super Bowl.