The Kansas City Chiefs revealed disappointing news about rookie tight end Jake Briningstool on January 2, ahead of the Week 18 season finale versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
As the Chiefs relayed their final injury designations for Week 18, the promising youngster was once again ruled out with a hamstring injury. And since it was the last chance for Briningstool to be activated from the injured reserve, he was instead effectively shut down.
Briningstool was a quick fan favorite this spring and summer after entering the organization as an undrafted free agent. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury in the early days of training camp and has been sidelined ever since.
However, in recent weeks, Briningstool was practicing with the team and appeared to be working his way back from injury. He logged several “full practices” over that span, including three more FPs in Week 18.
Needless to say, many expected Briningstool to make his 2025 debut in one of the final weeks of the year, but it turns out Chiefs fans will have to wait until the 2026 campaign to see the camp standout suit up for a regular season game. That is, assuming he makes the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
Kansas City will likely sign Briningstool to next year’s 90-man roster when appropriate, effectively redshirting him as a rookie. It’s not the first time we’ve seen the Chiefs operate like this with undrafted prospects that they like.
Wide receiver/returner Nikko Remigio missed his entire rookie season with a preseason injury, and even a draft pick like Jalen Royals or C.J. Hanson barely played in year one.
Like most perennial winners, KC will utilize any loophole it can to retain talent while also limiting learning on the job. Briningstool is just the latest example.
Could Jake Briningstool Eventually Help the Chiefs Replace Travis Kelce at Tight End?
GettyKansas City Chiefs tight end Jake Briningstool with the Clemson Tigers in 2024.
The Chiefs have begun taking a few flyers on young tight ends in the event that future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce elects to retire.
Briningstool is one intriguing developmental option, along with 2024 draft pick Jared Wiley. Then, of course, there’s also Noah Gray — Kelce’s long-time understudy at the position.
Although Briningstool has yet to prove himself at the NFL level, he immediately flashed as a pass-catcher and route-runner at OTAs. That doesn’t necessarily mean a ton, as OTAs don’t include pads, but the rookie still displayed an innate ability to find open space reminiscent of Kelce.
That, combined with athleticism and good hands, and Briningstool gave fans something to get excited about. Expect that hype and attention to bleed into 2026 OTAs, especially if Kelce calls it a career.
Travis Kelce Will Headline Chiefs News Until Retirement Decision Is Finalized
With the Chiefs’ 2025 season ending this weekend, the next couple of months will be spent focusing on Kelce’s retirement decision.
Not only is Kelce a prominent NFL figure, but his choice will also likely shape KC’s offseason and how they elect to proceed.
Financials are tight in Kansas City right now, and general manager Brett Veach has to clear over $50 million in cap space, with or without Kelce re-signing. If he does return, then you have to budget him in as well — although it’s possible Kelce cuts the Chiefs a nice deal.
Needless to say, the Kelce conversation will headline the Chiefs’ 2026 news cycle, at least until his retirement decision is finalized. The expectation is that the superstar tight end will make that decision sometime before the start of free agency in March.
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