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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.

Ravens Update Quarterback Depth Amid Controversies - Re-signed Pro Bowl Star to QB2
Baltimore, MD – October 7, 2025 Following Cooper Rush's disappointing performance in the humiliating 10-44 loss to the Houston Texans on Saturday (October 6), the Baltimore Ravens are facing intense debates about their quarterback room depth. With Lamar Jackson still nursing a hamstring injury and potentially missing the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Rams (scheduled for Week 6), the big question arises: Should Tyler Huntley – the former Ravens Pro Bowl star – get the starting nod over Rush? Huntley, 27 years old, was re-signed by the Ravens to the practice squad at the end of August 2025 and quickly elevated to QB2 for Week 5. He served as the Ravens' backup QB from 2020-2024, leading the team to the playoffs in 2022 and earning a Pro Bowl replacement spot thanks to his impressive performances filling in for Jackson. With experience in 9 starts (3-6 record), Huntley brings familiarity to the Ravens' offensive system, particularly his mobility and game-reading skills – something Rush seemed to lack in the Texans loss, where he completed only 18/34 passes with 1 TD and 2 INTs, resulting in the offense scoring just 10 points. The controversy exploded on social media, with the hashtag #RavensFlock divided. Many fans support Huntley: "Rush has proven he's not the solution. Huntley knows the system, knows how to win games – put him in!" (from account @RavensFanatic on X). Meanwhile, others defend Rush, arguing he needs time to adapt after transferring from the Dallas Cowboys: "Rush just started his first game for us. Don't rush to conclusions – he has playoff experience!" However, Rush's performance (only 189 passing yards, no big plays) has raised concerns about the depth chart, especially with Jackson possibly out for another 1-2 weeks. Head coach John Harbaugh hasn't commented directly, but in the post-Texans press conference, he hinted at a reevaluation: "We have multiple quality options at QB. Tyler is ready, and we'll choose the one best suited to win." ESPN insiders report that Huntley has been practicing fully and performing well, potentially being promoted to official QB2 if Jackson misses the Rams game – a crucial matchup for the Ravens (currently 1-4) to salvage their season. Signing Huntley – a Pro Bowl star – is seen as a smart move amid the controversies, boosting the Ravens' depth and flexibility. If Huntley gets "the nod" to start, it could be his chance to prove his value, just like his previous fill-ins for Jackson. Ravens fans are awaiting the decision – will "Snoop" (Huntley's nickname) return to save the team? Follow updates from baltimoreravens.com for more details. #RavensFlock #QBControversy