The Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad shake-up took a dramatic turn this week. What was originally expected to be a routine roster adjustment quickly became headline news after reports of a fight in practice.
Related posts
On August 28, the Chiefs added six new players to their practice squad, including RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire and DTs Zacch Pickens and Brodric Martin. To make room, two rookies saw their short Kansas City stints end abruptly.
Those cuts were defensive tackle Coziah Izzard and wide receiver Hal Presley, both undrafted rookies who had impressed enough to stick initially. But sources confirmed that tensions flared during Week 1 preparation practices.
According to insiders, Izzard and Presley were involved in a heated altercation that escalated into a physical fight. Veterans reportedly stepped in to break it up, but the incident left coaches frustrated just days before the opener.
Head coach Andy Reid did not publicly confirm the cause but emphasized accountability when asked about the changes. The Chiefs later announced the roster moves as “standard adjustments,” though timing suggested otherwise.
In their place, Kansas City not only bolstered depth but also leaned on experience. Edwards-Helaire returned to the fold, while Tonyan — who dominated preseason — earned a deserved promotion to the 53-man roster.
For Izzard and Presley, the release is a harsh reminder of NFL reality: opportunities are fleeting, and discipline matters as much as talent. Both now head back to free agency, futures uncertain.
For the Chiefs, the message is clear: no distractions during Week 1 preparation. With Baltimore looming in the opener, Kansas City is prioritizing focus, toughness, and veterans who can deliver under pressure.