Chiefs make 4 roster moves on Wednesday

ST. JOSEPH, MO - JULY 29: Cooper McDonald #44 waves to fans as he walks to the field during the Kansas City Chiefs training camp on Aug 11, 2026 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO. (Photo by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Before Wednesday's practice, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that second-year linebacker Cooper McDonald was being placed on the team's Reserve/Injured list.

McDonald was injured in the first quarter of Monday's 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos while covering the kickoff after Kansas City's first touchdown. The team eventually ruled him out with a knee injury. McDonald will now miss at least the Chiefs' next four games.

Taking his place on the active roster will be fullback Ben VanSumen. VanSumeren joined Kansas City's practice squad after final cuts. He was elevated to play against the Broncos. In his Red and Gold debut, VanSumern was in on 79% of the Chiefs' special teams snaps while taking the field for three offensive plays.

We have placed LB Cooper McDonald on Reserve/Injured.

We have signed Practice Squad player FB Ben VanSumeren to an active roster contract.

We have signed DE Michael Heldman and CB Melvin Smith to the Practice Squad.

We have terminated the Practice Squad contract of S Tanner... pic.twitter.com/W13ado5Onv

- Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 16, 2026

The Chiefs also made a pair of practice squad additions Wednesday.

Cornerback Melvin Smith Jr. is back with the Chiefs after being waived in the team's final cuts. The Tennessee Titans claimed Smith off of waivers the next day, but he was cut again before he had a chance to make an appearance with his new team. Smith signed to Kansas City's active roster from the practice squad late in the 2025 season but never made a game appearance.

Kansas City also signed defensive end Michael Heldman to the practice squad. Heldman recorded 10.5 sacks during his last college season at Central Michigan. After going undrafted, he went to camp with the New Orleans Saints, Heldman was placed on their Reserve/Injured list at the cutdown deadline. He reached an injury settlement with the Saints on September 3.

The Chiefs have also terminated the practice squad contract of safety Tanner McCalister.