As injuries pile up for the Kansas City Chiefs, a former Hawkeye star defensive lineman is getting a much-deserved second chance.
With Patrick Mahomes returning after suffering an ACL tear late in a Week 15 game last season, the offense could easily be back to where it was during their Super Bowl years. Unfortunately, injuries are piling up on the defensive end, with multiple players going down during training camp this summer. One particularly hard-hit group is the defensive line, prompting the organization to search for outside help. Luckily for a former Hawkeye, he is back in the fold and was given another chance.
Former Hawkeye DL is back with the Chiefs for his second stint in KC
After defensive end Ethan Downs tore his ACL early in camp, the Chiefs were scrambling to add depth across the defensive line and ultimately decided to bring back a former Hawkeye whom they had waived shortly after their rookie minicamp.
The #Chiefs have signed DE Ethan Hurkett.
— Arrowhead Corner (@ArrowheadCorner) August 1, 2026
Per, @MattDerrick. pic.twitter.com/BKwDe1M3mv
After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chiefs signed defensive lineman Ethan Hurkett alongside fellow undrafted Hawkeye Xavier Nwankpa, but he didn't make it past rookie minicamp. Hurkett was waived shortly after the conclusion of the Chiefs' rookie minicamp, but they brought him back in an attempt to add more depth. Hurkett has a chance to impress the organization during his second stint with the squad, with plenty of preseason games remaining before next season begins.
The former Hawkeye and Cedar Rapids, Iowa native took some time to develop, but his exceptional 2024-2025 season thrust him into the spotlight. As a full-time starter for the Hawkeyes last season, Hurkett made the most of his opportunity, tallying 36 total tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks. Hurkett became a solid contributor for the Hawkeyes after his first three seasons, and the program now has the difficult task of replacing him as he navigates his first professional season in the NFL.
After re-signing with the Chiefs, he has about two weeks to get acclimated to the organization and learn the playbook before Kansas City's first preseason game against the Rams. Hurkett brings a wealth of experience and veteran leadership from his days with the Iowa program and has a chance to earn a spot on the 53-man roster before roster cuts later this month. There is no guarantee that Hurkett makes the squad, especially as an undrafted free agent, but he has been given a rare second chance to show what he can do.
If the Chiefs decide to waive him for a second time, he still has the chance to sign with a different organization, but is likely headed for the practice squad. Hopefully, Hurkett sticks around in Kansas City due to its close proximity to Iowa City, and we wish him nothing but the best as he continues to find his footing in the NFL.
Add us as a preferred source on Google