The Chiefs make a cut after beating the Broncos: Mahomes loses a teammate
Kansas City began the season with a spectacular victory over Denver, but the next day management made a decision that completely changes their roster.
The Kansas City Chiefs did not take long to make moves after securing a big 31-10 victory for the team this Monday. Although the outcome was celebrated, it also raised concerns about the lack of depth on the roster after the injuries to rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane and linebacker Cooper McDonald .
The team released a defensive back from its practice squad this Tuesday , in a move recorded just one day after the win at Arrowhead Stadium. The move affects a player who had already had a particular path between Kansas City and Denver .
Who is the player who left the Chiefs?
While Patrick Mahomes celebrated his long-awaited return to the NFL, the franchise made a change to its roster that went practically unnoticed amid the aftermath of the game.
The central figure in the decision is Tanner McCalister, a 26-year-old defensive back who had returned to Kansas City in February 2026 on a reserve/future contract. He had previously spent time with the Broncos and the Cleveland Browns , in addition to an earlier stint on the Chiefs ' practice squad.
McCalister was not part of the active roster that played in the game against Denver. In fact, Kansas City had temporarily elevated two other players from its practice squad, Marcus Harris and Ben VanSumeren , for the matchup. Both later returned to the practice squad, while McCalister was released.
Tanner has recorded three total tackles over the course of his NFL career , taking advantage of his high football IQ and excellent ability to read the backfield during his limited opportunities as a player.
The event occurs after an especially important night for the Chiefs in which the team defeated the Broncos 31-10 in the season opener and Keneth Walker III shined by improving his own personal record in rushing yards.
The win also produced another historic moment: Travis Kelce surpassed Jason Witten and became the second tight end with the most receiving yards in NFL history, reaching 13,073.
Kansas City is already preparing for the second week of the season and continues adjusting its roster. McCalister was the first player released by the Chiefs after the win over Denver.
