Chiefs plan to re-sign Robert Tonyan after roster cut.
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Kansas City Chiefs tight end cut Robert Tonyan during the 2025 preseason.
The Kansas City Chiefs got creative with their initial 53-man roster cuts, as usual, and one of the more head-scratching releases, preseason standout Robert Tonyan, is a prime example of that.
One of the Chiefs’ favorite roster cutdown moves is to release a vested veteran or two who will not be subject to waivers. Aka Tonyan or defensive tackle Mike Pennel. Only, they typically do this with a handshake agreement in place that those released vets will re-sign at a later date.
In the case of Tonyan, that’s expected, according to KC Star beat reporter Sam McDowell. And the latest Rashee Rice suspension news could factor into the tight end’s return.
“The Chiefs technically released Robert Tonyan, but he’s not subject to waivers, and I’m told the plan is for him to return to the team,” McDowell reported on August 27. At the time, he added that you “have to assume the Chiefs are giving themselves some cushion at WR (8!) for the ongoing uncertainty with Rashee Rice.”
A few short hours later, Rice’s suspension length and start date were revealed.
Chiefs Fans Want Robert Tonyan Back on 53 After Rashee Rice Suspension News
At the beginning of spring, who would have thought that Chiefs fans would be calling for a 31-year-old journeyman to make the roster, but Tonyan really earned his keep this summer.
Over three preseason outings, the former Green Bay Packers starter caught 8 of his 9 targets for 90 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. But it wasn’t just the statistics.
Tonyan looked like he found the fountain of youth throughout training camp and the preseason, and fans took notice as he became a quick favorite of Chiefs Kingdom.
After the news of Rice’s six-game suspension on August 27, KC supporters began campaigning for Tonyan to take his place on the 53-man roster.
“If it kicks in when the season start that would be preferred and probably Robert Tonyan roster spot during the suspension,” one fan commented.
While another said: “Robert Tonyan back now plz.”
And finally, a third wrote: “Expecting Robert Tonyan signing to replace Rashee Rice on the active roster.”
Chiefs Sign Tonyan to Practice Squad Initially
As this article was being written, Tonyan news did finally surface, but it wasn’t necessarily the announcement fans were hoping for.
The veteran tight end will not be signing to the 53-man roster at this time, but he will join the KC practice squad along with fellow veteran and safety Mike Edwards (per The Athletic’s Jesse Newell).
“TE Robert Tonyan on the practice field for the Chiefs,” Chiefs Digest beat writer Matt Derrick relayed, seconding Newell. “Presumably on practice squad until Rashee Rice is placed on the suspended list. Did not see Rice on the field today.”
In other words, Tonyan’s placement on the practice squad may be short-lived, as Kansas City awaits Rice’s eligibility for the suspended list. At that time, the preseason star will likely re-join the active roster, as fans wanted all along.
Of course, even if he doesn’t KC could still elevate Tonyan for the first few games before having to promote him, officially. We’ll see which route they decide to go, as they have needs at other positions as well.