The Kansas City Chiefs revealed four roster changes ahead of their Week 14 game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Chiefs Digest reporter Matt Derrick shared the updates on X, stating: “The Chiefs have added WR Nikko Remigio to the active roster and placed WR Mecole Hardman on injured reserve. Additionally, the team has elevated LB Swayze Bozeman and TE Baylor Cupp from the practice squad for tomorrow night’s game against the Chargers.”
The key highlights here are Hardman being placed on IR—after his sudden appearance on the injury report on Friday, December 6—and Remigio’s promotion. Chiefs fans have eagerly anticipated the fan-favorite wide receiver being added to the active roster.
Here’s a summary of the key points:
- Chiefs Kingdom’s Excitement: Fans are thrilled about Nikko Remigio’s promotion to the active roster, celebrating his hard work and potential. Many feel this opportunity was overdue.
- Mecole Hardman’s Placement on IR: Hardman’s season might be over unless he returns in Week 18, marking his third consecutive season with an IR stint. This year, he recorded 152 scrimmage yards, one touchdown, and solid return game stats.
- Remigio’s Journey: The undrafted receiver has shined in OTAs and training camp but faced setbacks like a season-ending injury in his rookie year and practice squad relegation in year two. His preseason performance included 7 catches for 52 yards and impressive return averages. Despite a few late-summer mistakes, his promotion is seen as a well-earned chance.
- Reinforcements Called Up: With injuries at tight end, Baylor Cupp will debut alongside Travis Kelce and Noah Gray, likely in a limited TE3 role. Linebacker Swayze Bozeman will also debut, primarily contributing on special teams.
- Injury Context: Kansas City’s use of practice squad elevations reflects their growing injury challenges late in the season.
If he doesn’t return in Week 18, the sixth-year veteran will finish his 2024 season with 152 scrimmage yards, one touchdown, 20 punt returns for 203 yards, and five kick returns for 132 yards.
Nikko Remigio Has Often Flashed at Chiefs’ OTAs & Training Camp
Remigio has consistently stood out during spring and summer sessions over the past two years, but he has yet to make his regular-season debut.
During his rookie year, Remigio sustained a season-ending injury before Week 1, allowing Kansas City to place him on long-term injured reserve.
In his second year, he was released and assigned to the practice squad, even though he outperformed a drafted player like Skyy Moore.
As reported by Football Database, Remigio recorded 7 catches for 52 receiving yards during the preseason. He also brought energy to the return game, averaging 33.25 yards per kick return and 21 yards per punt return.
Remigio had a few setbacks late this summer, including a fumble and some mental errors, but arguably, the biggest challenge of his career has been being undrafted.
The Chiefs believed Remigio was less likely to be claimed off waivers than someone like Moore, and it seems their bet paid off since he remains with the team. It’s rewarding to see the second-year playmaker finally earn his spot on the 53-man roster.
Chiefs Will Call Upon Injury Reinforcements Swayze Bozeman & Baylor Cupp
Kansas City has faced significant injuries at tight end, leaving only Travis Kelce and Noah Gray on the active roster. Last week, veteran Anthony Firkser was called up as the TE3, and this week, Baylor Cupp will make his debut.
Kelce and Gray have become a dominant duo this season, so don’t expect much to change with Cupp joining the mix. The undrafted rookie is likely to have a role similar to Jared Wiley earlier this year or Blake Bell in past seasons.
Cupp stood out this summer before a practice squad injury sidelined him in September. He was activated from IR on November 26.
Bozeman is likely to serve as a special teams reinforcement, with several players dealing with injuries. As the season progresses, the Chiefs have increasingly relied on practice squad elevations.
The 26-year-old linebacker will make his regular season NFL debut, similar to Cupp and Remigio, provided he is activated for Sunday Night Football.
