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Chiefs Rookie TE Savors First Touchdown and Sets Sights on More

It was just a preseason game — but for one Kansas City Chiefs tight end, the moment felt like the start of something real.

The Chiefs were inside the red zone early in the second quarter against the Cardinals, when the play was called. A simple drag route, a clean break upfield, and a dart from the quarterback. Seven yards later, Jake Briningstool had the ball in his hands—and in the end zone.

For an undrafted rookie who had to earn every second of this opportunity, that touchdown meant far more than the box score. It was validation.

“The moment I crossed that goal line, it felt like every hour of work, every setback, every sacrifice was worth it. First touchdown down — now it’s time to chase many more for this team,” Briningstool said, catching his breath and savoring a moment years in the making.

The score capped a well-executed drive behind backup quarterback Pat Mahomes, showcasing KC’s depth and Briningstool’s readiness to contribute. His impressive frame—6'6" with fluid movement—and reliable hands stood out in the red zone, giving a glimpse into the red-zone weapon Chiefs coaches have quietly tracked since rookie minicamp 

At Clemson, Briningstool was a steady contributor over multiple seasons, notching over 1,300 career yards and 17 touchdowns. His blend of size, athleticism, and consistency made him an attractive UDFA pickup after the 2025 NFL Draft.

Now, competing behind Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Robert Tonyan, Jake isn’t expected to see the field yet—but he’s earned a look.

Chiefs coaches have lauded his understanding of the playbook, his willingness to learn, and his contributions on special teams.

With the first touchdown now under his belt, Briningstool’s focus shifts to consistency. For the Chiefs, it’s about building reliable depth. For Jake Briningstool, proving he belongs in this uniform may be his greatest challenge yet—and he’s just getting started.

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Bears Could Get Huge Boost to Pass Rush for ‘MNF’ vs. Commanders
Bears defensive end Austin Booker could return in Week 6. The Chicago Bears could receive a significant boost to their pass rush when they take on the Washington Commanders for Monday Night Football in Week 6. The Bears are now eligible to designate second-year defensive end Austin Booker for return from the injured reserve list after he missed the first four games of the season. Booker had shone in the preseason and seemed the likely choice to serve as the Bears‘ top rotational pass rusher behind veterans Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo coming into the 2025 season, but he suffered a knee injury in August that forced the team to place him on the short-term injured reserve list after the 53-man roster cutdown. Promoted Content Brain Specialist: Honey, The Plaque Destroyer (Watch This)   Brain Journal Researcher: Honey Method, Alzheimer's Natural Predator (See How)   Brain Journal Dementia Has Been Linked To A Common Habit. Do You Do It?   Brain Defender Dementia & Memory Loss Have Been Linked To This Habit. You Do It?   Brain Journal While the Bears have not laid out an expected return timeline for Booker, they will have the option of designating him for return to practice in Week 6 if they feel he has made enough progress in his injury recovery. Once the Bears designate him for return, they will have 21 days to activate him to the roster or else must leave him on IR for the year. The Bears could provide clues to Booker’s status when they hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday and issue their first injury report for Sunday’s prime-time date with the Commanders. They would need to activate Booker by Saturday afternoon at the latest for him to have a chance of suiting up for them on Monday Night Football. The Bears (2-2) will take on the Commanders (3-2) at 8:15 p.m. ET next Monday.