Jared Wiley was making the type of progress expected of a rookie among a group of talented tight ends.
This was 2024. The fourth-round draft pick from TCU played in the Chiefs’ first seven games, starting two in extra-tight end sets, and made his first NFL reception in Week 2 — a 7-yard catch against the Cincinnati Bengals.
But then a torn ACL in practice ended Wiley’s upward trajectory and sent him into a rehab period that sometimes proved difficult. He tried to remain involved, helping where he could as the Chiefs won the AFC and advanced to their third straight Super Bowl.
“But you really feel like you’re missing out,” Wiley said.
Flash-forward to 2025. Wiley has met his goal of playing in the preseason opener and saw his first action at Arizona last weekend. He caught a pass for 2 yards from third-team quarterback Bailey Zappe in the second quarter.
Wiley logged 20 snaps in the game, second most among the Chiefs’ tight ends.
“I’m just happy to be back honestly,” Wiley said. “It took me a drive or two to get back in the rhythm of the game, but I was expecting that. Being out there and competing helped me mentally and physically.”
Wiley called the injury “a humbling experience.”
“Just knowing that any snap could be your last for that season,” he said. “You get to where you’re feeling pretty good. You almost feel like you kinda made it a little bit and something like that happens. It kind of dials you back a little bit.”
Part of Wiley’s recovery took part at Camp Mahomes, the annual offseason passing get-togethers organized by Patrick Mahomes in the spring. Wiley couldn’t run routes but could catch.
“I wanted to make a point to show my face this offseason to make sure they knew that I was fully expecting to be here during camp and be present,” Wiley said. “Show them how committed I was to being here.”
Wiley is the third tight end in a Chiefs offense that shapes the position as a weapon. Kelce, in his 13th season, is one of the most productive tight ends in NFL history. Backup Noah Gray, in his fifth, has improved his numbers every year and his five touchdown receptions last season topped the KC tight ends.
The position group has become more competitive. The Chiefs added veteran Robert Tonyan, who has had an excellent training camp and led the Chiefs with three receptions in the preseason opener.
Undrafted free agents Jake Briningstool from Clemson and Tre Watson of Texas A&M have had their moments in camp, although Briningstool is dealing with a hamstring injury. Watson played nine snaps against the Cardinals without a reception.
“We compete all the time,” Wiley said. “Having those older guys mix in with the younger guys, that’s been awesome. The possibilities with those guys in that room seem endless.”
And for the first time since the first half of last season, Wiley is part of it.