The Chiefs made an intriguing roster move hours before their season opener, elevating Ben VanSumeren and potentially putting a true fullback on the field for the first time since 2022.
The Kansas City Chiefs could turn back the clock with one of their roster moves ahead of Monday night's season opener.
Kansas City elevated fullback Ben VanSumeren and defensive tackle Marcus Harris from the practice squad Monday, making both players available against the Denver Broncos.
VanSumeren could become the first pure fullback to take the field for the Chiefs since Michael Burton in 2022, according to Arrowhead Pride.
That makes his elevation especially intriguing for an offense entering the season with a different backfield look.
VanSumeren originally entered the NFL as an undrafted linebacker out of Michigan State in 2023. The 6-foot-2, 258-pounder transitioned to fullback in 2025 while with the Philadelphia Eagles before spending this summer with the Buffalo Bills.
Kansas City signed him to its practice squad earlier this month.
Now he could have an immediate role in the season opener.
The Chiefs have shown interest in operating more of their offense from under center, and VanSumeren gives them a true lead-blocking option they haven't regularly carried in recent seasons. He is also able to contribute on special teams.
That doesn't guarantee VanSumeren will receive offensive snaps Monday night. A standard practice-squad elevation simply makes him eligible to play.
But the timing of the move suggests Kansas City at least wants the option available against Denver.
Harris' elevation addresses a different need.
The second-year defensive tackle impressed during training camp and the preseason enough to initially make Kansas City's 53-man roster before being waived and brought back on the practice squad. He provides additional depth on the interior with rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott on injured reserve.
Harris could also provide insurance behind Chris Jones, who was limited Friday with a calf issue and held out of Saturday's practice before receiving no game-status designation.
VanSumeren's elevation, though, is the more unusual development.
The Chiefs haven't regularly deployed a true fullback since Burton's final season with the team in 2022.
Whether that changes Monday night remains to be seen.
But Kansas City has now given itself the option to bring an old-school element back to its offense against the Broncos.
