Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Chiefs reinforce depth at key defensive positions ahead of AFC title game

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Charles Goldman | Last updated 1/27/24

The Kansas City Chiefs have activated two players to the 53-man roster via standard elevation from the practice squad for the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The team announced on Saturday that they had elevated DT Mike Pennel and CB Keith Taylor for the game on Sunday. Pennel was expected to be elevated as he's filled in for DT Derrick Nnadi, who was recently placed on injured reserve.

Pennel was promoted for the game against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs, where he recorded two total tackles and two stops in around 40 defensive snaps. He's a veteran with plenty of playoff experience for the Chiefs, having been part of the playoff runs to Super Bowl LIV and Super Bowl LV.

We have activated Practice Squad players NT Mike Pennel and CB Keith Taylor via Standard Elevation.

WR Kadarius Toney is now OUT for tomorrow's game (personal/hip).
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 27, 2024

The other practice squad elevation is a bit surprising for Kansas City. Last week, they elevated DT Matt Dickerson to the 53-man roster. This time around they opted for Taylor, a veteran defensive back with special teams experience. The Chiefs aren't lacking for cornerback depth, so this could just be a move to reward a veteran player with a game check during the playoffs. He likely ends up inactive for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

The lack of a call-up for Dickerson might signal a different approach this week in the trenches. The team has DT Neil Farrell Jr. on the 53-man roster, but he's seldom played this season. He looked really good int he team's Week 18 tilt against the Los Angeles Chargers, and it's possible that the team could make him active to reinforce that defensive interior depth for Sunday.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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