Injury updates have prompted the Chiefs to search for additional depth. Second-year linebacker Cooper McDonald landed on injured reserve with a knee injury, triggering a series of roster scans and tryouts. On Thursday, September 17, the organization conducted tryouts for four linebackers, though none have yet been signed to the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
With Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Jeffrey Bassa, and Jack Cochrane currently leading the inside linebacker room, Kansas City is actively exploring options to bolster its depth and provide fresh possibilities for the defensive schemes. Among those brought in for tryouts were Marte Mapu, Dominic DeLuca, Langston Patterson, and TJ Quinn.
Marte Mapu stands out among the candidates. The 26-year-old defender was the 76th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. A 6-foot-3, 230-pound hybrid who has played both safety and linebacker, Mapu has three career interceptions and experience in special teams. His skill set aligns with a defense that relies on disguises and versatile players. Mapu spent the offseason with the Houston Texans but was placed on injured reserve and later released after an injury settlement.
The other three tryout participants are newer to the league. Dominic DeLuca, a 2026 undrafted free agent from Penn State, joined the Baltimore Ravens this offseason but did not make the 53-man roster. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 228 pounds. Langston Patterson, an undrafted player from Vanderbilt, signed with the Dallas Cowboys but did not secure a spot on the 53-man roster. He is just over 6 feet tall and weighs 229 pounds. TJ Quinn, another undrafted free agent from Louisville, signed with the Green Bay Packers after the 2026 draft and was released during roster cuts; he is roughly 6 feet tall and 225 pounds.
Cole Christiansen is currently part of the Chiefs’ practice squad alongside Cam Jones. Christiansen is anticipated to be elevated to the 53-man roster for Week 2 to face the Indianapolis Colts, serving as a temporary reinforcement to offset McDonald’s absence. It’s important to note that practice squad elevations allow a player to join the active roster up to three times before they become ineligible for standard elevations and must be signed to play.
McDonald’s outlook includes reevaluation after four weeks on injured reserve, with the expectation that he will return at some point this season, though the timing remains uncertain. As the Chiefs navigate this period, they will continue weighing additions from tryouts and potential signings to ensure a robust linebacker corps and maintain a competitive edge on defense.
