Former Ohio State Buckeyes safety Tanner McCalister‘s journey in the league has been marred by constant setbacks ever since he transitioned to the NFL. Over four seasons, McCalister has been a journeyman and a part of four different practice squads, including two stints with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. And now, Tanner’s second stint with the Chiefs is coming to an abrupt end as the franchise released him just hours after winning their season opener against the Broncos 31-10.

In an X post, NFL Reporter Aaron Wilson noted that the “#Chiefs released Tanner McCalister” on September 16.

Kansas City’s Monday night win against the Broncos was followed by major concerns about the lack of roster depth following injuries to rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane and linebacker Cooper McDonald. To fill that depth, the Chiefs have added CB Melvin Smith Jr. to their practice squad. But to create space for the move, they had to cut ties with McCalister.

Tanner’s journey with Kansas City has already been quite rocky. The Chiefs first signed the defensive back in December 2025 as part of their practice squad before terminating him in January 2026. He was re-signed again in February to a Reserve/Future contract.

However, the abrupt release is not very different from how Tanner’s NFL career has gone so far. After going undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, McCalister signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent, appearing in three games. He was eventually released in 2024, moving on to sign similar practice squad/reserve deals with the Denver Broncos, where he played three more regular-season games.

Over the course of his career, McCalister has recorded three total tackles, utilizing his high football IQ and excellent backfield reading ability during his limited playing opportunities.

By releasing the defensive back, the Chiefs have created the space necessary to re-sign Melvin Smith Jr. The cornerback had spent part of last season with the Chiefs before being waived and claimed by the Tennessee Titans.

Although Smith is yet to make his mark in the NFL, he recorded 168 tackles (including 6.5 tackles for loss, nine interceptions, and one forced fumble) during his college football days. The Chiefs hope Smith’s speed and tracking ability will improve coverage on deep throws.

On the other hand, the team’s quick roster moves may give the impression that Mansoor Delane and Cooper McDonald’s injuries are severe enough to sideline them for weeks. However, the latest injury updates are an indication that Mansoor should be able to suit up at the earliest, whereas Cooper’s return will face a significant delay.

NFL Insider Provides Injury Update on Mansoor Delane and Cooper McDonald

According to reports, Mansoor Delane underwent X-rays after Monday’s Chiefs vs. Broncos game to assess the damage caused by his fall during the first quarter.

While Delane’s report confirmed that he fell on the shoulder he already injured during camp earlier this year, it also gave Chiefs fans hope that the rookie CB would recover with very little time off.

According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport‘s X update, “The belief is Mansoor Delane should miss minimal time with his shoulder injury. Some good news.”

While the earlier reports speculated that Delane might not be cleared to play during the Chiefs’ Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, there has been a change to that now. While speaking to the media on Wednesday, HC Andy Reid provided much-needed relief to the fans.

“Delane is back, and he’ll be out there (at practice) today doing his thing. There’s a pretty good change he’ll be back out there (in Week 2).”

However, Reid also noted that the Chiefs’ medical staff will monitor both injured players’ conditions over the week before making any decisions. As for Cooper McDonald’s injury, there are still some lingering concerns.

NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, in an X post, noted that “#Chiefs LB Cooper McDonald will be placed on IR due to a knee injury he suffered during Monday night’s win over the Broncos. He is expected to return this season. McDonald is a former UDFA who made the team in 2025 and has become a locker-room favorite.”

During the same media interview, Reid confirmed the status of Cooper. Reportedly, the team will see where he is after four weeks. Jack Cochrane will step in during McDonald’s absence, and Chiefs LB Nick Bolton says that “We’ve got full confidence in that guy to do his job.”

With McDonald likely out for the Week 2 game, the Chiefs’ backfield will be handled by Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Kristian Fulton, and R. Mason Thomas. Cornerback Melvin Smith Jr. and DeShon Singleton remain as practice squad options that Kansas City can utilize on Sunday.