Chiefs Open Door for Starting Linebacker's Return After Five-Game Absence

The Kansas City Chiefs could be getting an important piece of their defense back in time for Sunday's matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.

Kansas City designated linebacker Cooper McDonald to return from injured reserve Tuesday, opening a 21-day window during which he can practice before the team must decide whether to activate him.

The move comes more than a month after McDonald suffered a knee injury during the Chiefs' 31-10 season-opening victory over the Denver Broncos on Sept. 14.

McDonald was injured on the kickoff following Kansas City's first touchdown and did not return.

The Chiefs placed him on injured reserve two days later, requiring him to miss at least four games.

He could return as early as Sunday night's game against Seattle, although his availability remains uncertain.

According to Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports, Kansas City also waived linebacker Cam Jones from its 53-man roster Tuesday, potentially creating room for McDonald's return.

However, the Chiefs have not yet activated McDonald, and his return to practice does not guarantee he will play this week.

The 25-year-old earned the starting strongside linebacker job entering his second NFL season after joining Kansas City as an undrafted free agent in 2025.

He appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, making one start and recording 25 tackles and one tackle for loss.

McDonald's injury forced defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to adjust his linebacker rotation.

Veteran Jack Cochrane has handled additional responsibilities in McDonald's absence, giving Kansas City another option at linebacker.

McDonald's potential return would give Spagnuolo more flexibility in determining how to distribute defensive snaps and special teams assignments.

McDonald provides a familiar option at strongside linebacker and contributes on special teams, but the Chiefs will need to evaluate his conditioning and readiness after more than a month away from game action.

Kansas City's defense has also been showing improvement, with the defensive line delivering a stronger performance against the Chargers.

The Chiefs must determine how quickly McDonald can resume his responsibilities without disrupting the current rotation.

Kansas City enters Sunday's game with a 5-0 record and an opportunity to strengthen its defensive depth before the season's midpoint.

McDonald's return would provide another option for Spagnuolo, but his availability against Seattle will depend on how he progresses through practice this week.