NFL Player News

Cook recorded 85 tackles (50 solo) and six passes defensed in 17 games with Kansas City in 2025.

After emerging as a starter last season, Cook remained one of the Chiefs' top producers in their defensive backfield in 2025, notching new career highs in total tackles and in passes defensed. It might have been a bit disappointing that he could not come away with any interceptions, but he almost certainly did enough in the final year of his rookie deal to earn a second NFL contract and a big raise, whether that be in Kansas City or elsewhere. He is currently on track to become an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

Karlaftis accumulated 48 tackles (25 solo), including 6.0 sacks, two pass defenses and one fumble recovery across 16 games in 2025 with the Chiefs.

The fourth-year pro looked like he was on his way to a career year after opening the season with 4.5 sacks and 20 combined tackles through the first five games of the regular season. Karlaftis wasn't able to carry that momentum for the rest of 2025, but his combined tackles were one more than his previous career high set in 2023 (across 16 regular-season games). The 2022 first-rounder signed a four-year, $93 million contract extension in July and will be a cornerstone of the Chiefs' defense for years to come.

Conner totaled 117 (75 solo), including 2.0 sacks, two passes defended, one interception and two forced fumbles across 17 games with Kansas City during the 2025 campaign.

Conner had the best season of his career, setting new personal bests in tackles and sacks while starting every game for the first time. The 25-year-old proved to be one of the Chiefs' most productive defenders, finishing second on the team in tackles behind Nick Bolton's 154 (73 solo). Conner should continue to serve as Kansas City's starting strong safety during the 2026 campaign.

Tranquill recorded 103 tackles (55 solo) including 2.0 sacks, one pass defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 17 games with Kansas City in 2025.

Tranquill was once again a steadying presence at linebacker next to Nick Bolton this season, and thanks to a higher defensive snap count (881) than last year (760), he was able to tally 100-plus tackles for the first time since 2022 with the Chargers. With that said, his per-snap tackle production was slightly down from 2024, and he was sometimes viewed as a liability in coverage. He will turn 31 in August, but he still figures to play a significant role in the Chiefs' front seven in 2026.

Hunt (biceps) practiced in full Wednesday.

Hunt is strung together consecutive full practices and is trending in the right direction in his recovery from a torn biceps that he sustained in mid-September. He would need to be activated from injured reserve in order to play in Saturday's NFC wild-card game against the Rams. Hunt could reclaim his starting job at right guard if he's activated from IR, which would likely result in Austin Corbett moving to a reserve role.

Bolton recorded 154 tackles (73 solo) including 1.0 sacks, six passes defensed, one interception and one forced fumble in 17 games with Kansas City in 2025.

Bolton retained his role as the Chiefs' top linebacker after they signed him to a three-year, $45 million contract back in March, and he led the team in total tackles for the second straight year. In fact, his season tackle total was tied for the seventh-best in the league. He has reestablished himself as one of the better linebackers in the NFL and projects as a strong IDP option for 2026.

Dotson (ankle) did not participate at practice Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Dotson missed the Rams' last two regular-season games after spraining his ankle in Week 16 at Seattle, and now his availability for their wild-card game at Carolina is in jeopardy. Unless he returns to practice Thursday, there's little chance he'll be able to play Saturday.

Rochell (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Rochell was unable to play in the Panthers' Week 18 loss to the Buccaneers after entering the league's concussion protocol against the Seahawks in Week 17. He appears to be progressing in his recovery given his ability to practice in full Wednesday, but he would need to clear concussion protocol in order to be available for Saturday's NFC wild-card game against the Rams. Rochell played exclusively on special teams across six regular-season games between the Panthers and Cowboys and finished with five tackles (two solo).

Salyer (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Eric Smith of the Chargers' official site reports.

Salyer was sidelined for the last two games of the regular season after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 16 at Dallas, and he's still not at 100 percent as the Bolts' preparations for their wild-card matchup at New England begin. He'll probably have to participate in full at practice Thursday or Friday to avoid carrying an injury designation into the weekend.

Wallace (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Adam Grosbard of The Orange County Register reports.

Wallace hasn't played since Week 16 against the Seahawks. With Quentin Lake back from injured reserve, Lake should step back into his role as the Rams' slot cornerback.