Andy Reid to Axe 2 Chiefs Players After Giving Up on QB Clears Space to Build Around Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is expected to axe two players as the franchise clears roster space to build around Patrick Mahomes. Following the preseason setback, the Chiefs are reshaping their depth chart heading into the regular season. On August 27, 2025, ChiefsDigest.com reporter Matt Derrick confirmed that Kansas City has invited six players for visits, with roster adjustments looming.

The Chiefs officially have three open spots on the practice squad. Robert Tonyan will move to the active roster to make four available. If all six sign, two spots will need to be made available. https://t.co/Br957fzw7H

— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) August 28, 2025

The candidates include RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, DTs Brodric Martin and Zacch Pickens, DEs Ethan Downs and Tyreke Smith, and FS Jammie Robinson. Derrick reported that KC currently has three open practice squad slots, while Robert Tonyan’s promotion to the active roster will create a fourth. However, “if all six sign, two spots will need to be made available,” Derrick noted. This means two players could be cut to accommodate the new arrivals.

Tonyan himself became a focal point this week. The Chiefs released the veteran tight end during their initial 53-man cutdown, a move consistent with their practice of temporarily releasing veterans. KC Star’s Sam McDowell clarified (per EssentiallySports):

The Chiefs technically released Robert Tonyan, but he’s not subject to waivers, and I’m told the plan is for him to return to the team.

Tonyan earned his place, catching 8 of 9 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in the preseason, making him a likely candidate to rejoin the roster once Rashee Rice’s six-game suspension is official. For Mahomes, the reshuffle signals Reid’s commitment. He’s stressing the push to revive Kansas City’s explosive passing game.

Andy Reid Stunned After Meeting Patrick Mahomes’ Lookalike QB Dylan Raiola at Arrowhead

Head coach Andy Reid appeared visibly taken aback when he came face-to-face with Patrick Mahomes’ college football lookalike at Arrowhead Stadium. On August 27, Nebraska QB Dylan Raiola met Reid ahead of the Cornhuskers’ season-opener against Cincinnati, and the footage quickly went viral (per Talksport).

Raiola, a sophomore with high expectations entering the 2025 season, has drawn constant comparisons to Mahomes. The resemblance goes beyond facial features. Raiola also wears No. 15 for Nebraska, the same as Mahomes in Kansas City, and sports the trademark “broccoli hair” with flashy sunglasses. 

Nebraska enters Thursday night’s Battle Sports Kansas City Classic at Arrowhead as the favorite against Travis Kelce’s alma mater, Cincinnati. With Raiola on the same field Mahomes calls home, the spotlight on their uncanny resemblance is only growing.