KANSAS CITY, MO — Monday morning of Preseason Week 2 opened with a decisive move from Kansas City: the Chiefs signed defensive end Nate Matlack, just hours after the defense suffered two significant setbacks in two different rooms.

Janarius Robinson missed practice with a foot issue that was later identified as a fracture of the little toe; meanwhile, safety Deon Bush tore his Achilles and will be placed on season-ending IR. In that context, Andy Reid went straight to the point with a clear, forward-looking message:

“I feel bad for Deon — he tore his Achilles and will go on IR — but camp doesn’t wait; we have to keep moving. I’ve had my eye on Nate Matlack since rookie camp; he impressed with his length, burst, and work habits. Signing him isn’t a one-for-one for Deon (different position), but Matlack gives us immediate depth and competition on the edge, keeps our practice tempo up, and bolsters the group while the other guys get healthy.”

Matlack is a local product (Olathe East) who played for Kansas State and Pitt, turning heads at rookie camp with a 6’5”, 254-pound frame and real burst. His return arrives just as Robinson is sidelined, helping sustain competition at EDGE and ensuring Kansas City’s pass-rush group keeps its rhythm through a short preseason week.

Immediate Impact

• EDGE depth stays intact while Robinson recovers, preserving quality reps in Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

The Chiefs aren’t letting injuries stall camp. Reid’s message is clear: keep moving, keep the tempo, and raise internal competition. For Matlack, this is a door to turn a strong summer into a longer stay. For Kansas City, it’s the way to keep the defensive machine humming despite early-August adversity.