Chiefs Elevate Marlon Tuipulotu as Rookie Norman‑Lott Hits Shoulder
- by Kieran Faraday
- Oct, 7 2025
When Andy Reid, head coach of Kansas City Chiefs, announced a last‑minute roster tweak on Saturday, the surprise was a 26‑year‑old defensive tackle from the practice squad.
Reid elevated Marlon Tuipulotu, a veteran lineman who spent three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, to the active list for the upcoming Week 5 Monday Night Football clashArrowhead Stadium against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The move was forced by a shoulder injury to rookie second‑round pick Omarr Norman‑Lott, the 2025 NFL Draft’s 63rd‑overall selection out of the University of Tennessee.
Why the Move Matters
Here’s the thing: the Chiefs’ defensive line has been a revolving door all season. In the first month, injuries have thinned the rotation, leaving veteran anchor Chris Jones with a heavier load. Adding Tuipulotu wasn’t just about filling a spot; it was about giving the unit a seasoned nose‑tackle who knows how to plug gaps and take on double teams.
Oddly enough, the timing could not be more crucial. The Chiefs are 2‑2 after four games, and a win on Monday night would push them back into the NFC West lead. A shorthanded interior line could tilt the balance, especially against Jacksonville’s interior power‑run game led by running back Travis Etienne, who averaged 4.8 yards per carry in the first three weeks.
The Players Involved: Tuipulotu, Norman‑Lott, and the Rest of the Line
Tuipulotu’s résumé reads like a journeyman’s tour of the league. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Eagles, he logged 43 tackles, four tackles for loss, and three sacks across three seasons (2021‑2023). In 2024, his first year with Kansas City, he appeared in two games, recording four tackles on 68 combined snaps—61 on defense, seven on special teams.
By contrast, Norman‑Lott is fresh off a college career where he posted 9.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in his senior year at Tennessee. The Chiefs selected him with the 63rd pick, hoping his quick first step and disruptive hand technique would translate to the pro level.
During Friday’s practice, Norman‑Lott seemed ready, but a sudden pop in his right shoulder during a drill left him sidelined for Saturday’s session. Reid confirmed the injury in a brief media appearance, noting, “He’s a first‑year guy, we want him back healthy. He’ll be fine, but we need insurance for tonight.”
The rest of the interior line includes veterans Mike Pennel and Jerry Tillery, as well as the recent acquisition Derrick Nnadi from the New York Jets. Defensive end depth is anchored by George Karlaftis and Mike Danna.
Roster Rules and the Mechanics of a Standard Elevation
Under the current NFL collective bargaining agreement, each practice‑squad player may be “standard‑elevated” up to three times per season without signing a full‑time contract. The fourth call‑up forces the team to either release the player or sign him to the 53‑man roster.
Tuipulotu’s elevation against the Jaguars uses his first of three allowed promotions. If he proves valuable, the Chiefs could either keep rotating him or lock him in with a standard contract. That flexibility is why teams stash experienced depth on the practice squad rather than on the main roster where they’d count against the salary cap.
Statistically, practice‑squad elevations have risen 27 % since 2020, reflecting the league’s growing reliance on depth players. In 2024, the Chiefs elevated a total of five players, three of whom stayed on the active roster beyond the season.
Reactions from the Coaching Staff and Teammates
In the post‑practice press conference, Reid said, “Marlon’s a guy who knows the system, knows the playbook, and can step in without missing a beat. He gives us the confidence to keep playing aggressive defense.”
Veteran linebacker Nick Bolton chimed in, “We’ve got a lot of young guys learning the ropes, and having a seasoned tackle like Marlon out there helps us stay disciplined at the line of scrimmage.”
Tuipulotu, when asked about his role, replied, “I’m just happy to be out there. It’s a big game, and I want to do whatever the team needs.” His humility mirrors the tone of a locker room that’s been conditioned to adapt quickly under Reid’s leadership.
What This Means for the Chiefs‑Jaguars Showdown
The Jaguars come into Monday night with a 3‑1 record and a run‑heavy offense that averages 122 rushing yards per game. Their interior defensive line, anchored by Jordan Smith, has struggled against power‑run schemes, giving up 5.1 yards per carry on third down.
With Tuipulotu’s presence, Kansas City gains a bigger, stronger anchor who can occupy both gaps, freeing up Jones and Nnadi to make plays up the line. If Norman‑Lott remains sidelined, the Chiefs will likely run more blitz packages, trusting the veteran to hold the point of attack.
In short, the elevation could tilt the line‑of‑scrimmage battle in Kansas City’s favor, a factor that often decides primetime games. The Chiefs are betting on depth, experience, and a little bit of luck to pull out a win in Jacksonville’s hostile environment.
Key Facts
- Elevated player: Marlon Tuipulotu, 26, practice‑squad defensive tackle.
- Injured rookie: Omarr Norman‑Lott, 2nd‑round pick, shoulder injury.
- Game: Week 5 Monday Night Football, Kansas City vs. Jacksonville on 2025‑10‑07 at Arrowhead Stadium.
- Standard elevations allowed per season: three; Tuipulotu used his first.
- Chiefs’ defensive line depth: includes Chris Jones, Mike Pennel, Jerry Tillery, Derrick Nnadi, plus edge rushers George Karlaftis and Mike Danna.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tuipulotu’s elevation affect the Chiefs’ defensive strategy?
With Tuipulotu in the lineup, Kansas City can keep more aggressive blitz packages without fearing an interior collapse. His size lets him occupy double‑teams, freeing veteran Chris Jones to penetrate the backfield, which should improve the pass rush and help contain Jacksonville’s running game.
What is the status of rookie Omarr Norman‑Lott’s injury?
Norman‑Lott suffered a shoulder strain during a Thursday drill and was listed as questionable on Saturday. The team’s medical staff kept him out of practice, and he was ultimately ruled inactive for the Week 6 game. Reid expects a short recovery, but the timeline remains unclear.
How many standard elevations does the NFL allow per practice‑squad player?
Each practice‑squad member may be elevated up to three times in a single season without a full‑time contract. A fourth promotion forces the team to either sign the player to the 53‑man roster or release him.
What impact could the injury to Norman‑Lott have on the Chiefs’ depth chart?
If Norman‑Lott misses more than a week, the Chiefs will likely rely on a rotation of Tuipulotu, Mike Pennel, and Jerry Tillery. This could limit the team’s flexibility to rotate fresh legs, especially against a run‑heavy Jaguars offense.
When and where is the Chiefs‑Jaguars game being played?
The matchup is slated for Monday night, October 7, 2025, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. It’s the fifth game of the NFL season for both clubs.
