The Kansas City Chiefs made roster changes ahead of their Week 5 game against the New Orleans Saints. Tight end Jody Fortson was upgraded to the 53-man roster, while defensive back Darius Rush was added to the practice squad.
Of course, Rush has previously joined the Chiefs organization. In 2023, the 24-year-old was claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs at the 53-man roster cutdown. He was later cut and re-signed to the practice squad.
Rush was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers from the practice squad in mid-October of previous year. He stayed in Pittsburgh until October 1, 2024, when the Steelers released him from their active roster.
Rush has returned to Kansas City in a developmental role for the time being.
Rush, who was picked in the fifth round by the Indianapolis Colts, has spent his first two seasons with various teams. In 2023 and 2024, he played 5 games with the Steelers, earning 3 tackles and 1 pass defense.
Arrowhead Pride beat reporter Pete Sweeney reported that the Chiefs re-signed running back Keaontay Ingram to the practice squad on October 4.
Darius Rush Fits Physical Profile of a Chiefs DB
When the Chiefs first acquired Rush in 2023, it appeared like the intention was for him to sit back and develop. They even managed to sneak him onto the practice team before the Steelers intervened.
This is most likely due to Rush’s rawness as a prospect, despite his remarkable physical and athletic abilities.
NFL Network scouting expert Lance Zierlein rated him as a “big, long, and physical” cornerback for the 2023 draft. However, he only started two seasons in college.
“[Rush] struggles to stay connected with routes from both press and off coverages but could improve with more technique work,” Zierlein said at that point. “He will never have the short area foot quickness to mirror and match routes but has impressive ball skills to disrupt the catch when he’s in position.”
At 6-foot-2 and 33 3/8 inches, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has another moldable piece of clay to deal with.
Zierlein referred to this as “NFL-caliber size and length.” But Kansas City supporters recognize this as the physical profile of a modern-day Chiefs DB.
On October 4, Rush joined defensive backs Nic Jones, Eric Scott Jr., Keith Taylor, and Deon Bush on the practice squad, adding depth to Kansas City’s secondary.
Jody Fortson’s 53-Man Return Signals Tight End Heavy Gameplan for Chiefs Without Rashee Rice
The Fortson promotion is an intriguing move. Instead of signing a wide receiver like Justyn Ross or Nikko Remigio, the Chiefs opted for a 6-foot-4 red zone threat in Fortson, resulting in four tight ends on the roster.
With top wide receiver Rashee Rice sidelined for at least four weeks, this deal suggests a shift towards a tight end-focused strategy in the future.
While Travis Kelce and Noah Gray remain the primary starters, rookies Jared Wiley and Fortson have the potential to contribute to the passing offense as playmakers.
Fortson left Kansas City for the Miami Dolphins this offseason, but he failed to make the 53-man roster following a dismal preseason with only 2 receptions and 20 yards. Needless to say, he’s another favorite with head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach.
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