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Chiefs Cut 2 Newly-Signed Players After Disappointing Minicamp Performances

The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t wasting time when it comes to roster evaluations. Just weeks after signing two new additions to bolster their offseason depth, the team made quick decisions — releasing both players after what insiders are calling "underwhelming" performances at mandatory minicamp.

Two In, Two Out

On June 18, the Chiefs officially waived offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr. and tight end Kevin Foelsch, both of whom had joined the roster earlier this offseason. The move came shortly after Kansas City signed two new players: center Joey Lombard and tight end Geor’Quarius Spivey, both of whom had reportedly impressed coaches during minicamp tryouts.

The Kansas City Chiefs face the Los Angeles Chargers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2022.

This quick turnaround signals how competitive the offseason roster battles are in Kansas City — and how little margin for error exists, especially for fringe veterans or undrafted players looking to stick.

Anchrum’s Short Stint in KC

Tremayne Anchrum Jr., a former seventh-round pick by the Rams in 2020, brought with him 33 games of NFL experience, including appearances in high-stakes playoff matchups. The 27-year-old signed with the Chiefs on May 16, hoping to carve out a depth role along the offensive line.

But according to team sources, Anchrum failed to stand out during minicamp drills. With younger interior linemen showing more upside — and Lombard offering fresh competition — the Chiefs chose to move on.

Foelsch Fails to Climb Tight End Ladder

Kansas City Chiefs Cut Kevin Foelsch, Face Roster Turmoil

Kevin Foelsch, a rookie tight end who spent part of the 2023 preseason with the Eagles, joined the Chiefs just last week on June 11. At 6-foot-5 and 246 pounds, Foelsch had the frame and athleticism to be a developmental project, but the timing didn’t work in his favor.

He struggled with consistency during practices and quickly found himself buried on the depth chart behind names like Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jake Briningstool, and now Geor’Quarius Spivey — the TE who effectively took his spot.

The Chiefs now have seven tight ends on the roster heading into training camp, a clear sign that the battle behind Kelce is far from settled.

What It Means for the Roster

The moves signal Kansas City’s commitment to keeping the competition alive at all positions — especially those directly impacting Patrick Mahomes and the offensive scheme.

In the case of tight end, Spivey and rookie Jake Briningstool continue to draw attention from fantasy scouts and analysts as potential fantasy football sleepers 2025. With Kelce nearing the twilight of his career, every offseason snap matters in determining who might one day take the throne.

On the offensive line, Lombard’s addition bolsters interior depth and gives Mahomes another layer of protection heading into a season where expectations are once again sky-high. The Chiefs remain top-tier in NFL Super Bowl odds, and their margin for error — even in the trenches — is razor-thin.

Final Word

The Chiefs’ decision to cut ties with Anchrum and Foelsch just days after signing them sends a message: offseason opportunities are earned, not guaranteed. With rookies and undrafted free agents now making their case, Kansas City continues to refine a roster built for another deep postseason run.

As training camp approaches, the roster shuffle is far from over — and for players on the bubble, every rep counts.

Coach Mike Tomlin Remove 3 Players for Missing Practice
Pittsburgh, PA — September 18, 2025 — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has made a bold disciplinary move, benching three key players—cornerback Joey Porter Jr., outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, and safety DeShon Elliott—for missing Wednesday’s practice as the team prepares for a critical Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots. The decision comes as the Steelers, sitting at 1-1 after a 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, grapple with a rash of injuries and mounting pressure to stabilize their roster. The trio’s absence from practice on September 17 stemmed from injuries: Porter Jr. is nursing a hamstring issue, Highsmith is sidelined with a high ankle sprain, and Elliott is recovering from an MCL sprain. All three missed the Seahawks game, where Pittsburgh’s defense struggled, allowing 117 rushing yards to Kenneth Walker III, including a game-sealing touchdown. Tomlin, known for his no-nonsense approach, reportedly views their failure to attend practice, even if injury-related, as a breach of team standards during a pivotal week. “We’re in a tough spot, but accountability comes first,” Tomlin said in a press conference. “If you’re not on the field preparing with your teammates, you’re not playing. We need everyone locked in to turn this around.” The move underscores Tomlin’s emphasis on discipline as the Steelers face a Patriots team that racked up 122 rushing yards in their Week 2 win over Miami. Porter Jr., a rising star in the secondary, missed his second straight game in Week 2 due to his hamstring injury. Highsmith, a key pass rusher, suffered his ankle sprain in the first quarter against Seattle and has a history of soft tissue injuries, including a groin issue in 2024. Elliott’s MCL sprain, sustained during a tackle attempt, has kept him off the field, with a potential return targeted for Week 4. The decision to bench them has sparked debate, especially with the team already thin at key positions due to injuries to linebacker Patrick Queen (ribs) and rookie defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (knee), though both returned to practice this week. The Steelers have taken steps to bolster their roster, signing veteran linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and safety Jabrill Peppers to the practice squad. Bentley, who rejected a $6 million offer from the Los Angeles Chargers, could see an elevated role if Queen remains limited. Fans on X are divided, with some praising Tomlin’s tough stance—“This is the Steeler way!”—while others worry it risks further depleting an injury-ravaged defense. As Pittsburgh aims to shore up its run defense and avoid a 1-2 start in the competitive AFC North, Tomlin’s disciplinary action sends a clear message: no player is above the team’s standards. Whether this gamble galvanizes the roster or exacerbates their struggles will be evident Sunday at Gillette Stadium.