The Kansas City Chiefs are shaking up their training camp roster, seizing the opportunity to sign second-year running back Michael Wiley to fill their final open spot after a wave of injuries rocked their preseason opener. The move, confirmed by Chiefs Digest beat reporter Matt Derrick and team reporter Matt McMullen on August 12, signals Kansas City’s intent to deepen their backfield with a versatile, dual-threat playmaker.
“Chiefs have signed former Arizona RB Michael Wiley,” Derrick announced, noting that the newcomer had yet to be spotted at practice but was officially on board. McMullen added context, highlighting Wiley’s journey: “Wiley, who spent last season on the Washington Commanders’ practice squad, played his college ball at Arizona from 2019-23.”
The signing comes on the heels of Kansas City’s decision to place safety Deon Bush and defensive end Janarius Robinson on injured reserve (IR) following their early exits in the team’s first preseason game. The Chiefs also added defensive end Nate Matlack to the roster on August 11, leaving just one spot on their 91-man training camp lineup—now claimed by Wiley.
While Wiley, a 2024 undrafted free agent, has limited NFL experience after a year on Washington’s practice squad, his collegiate resume at Arizona speaks volumes. Over five seasons and 49 games, the 5-foot-11 running back racked up 1,712 rushing yards on 336 carries, averaging an impressive 5.1 yards per carry. His true value, however, lies in his dual-threat capabilities. Wiley amassed 2,862 scrimmage yards and 28 total touchdowns, showcasing his ability to impact games as both a runner and a receiver.
His standout 2022 campaign saw him rush for 771 yards and catch passes for 349 more, totaling 1,120 scrimmage yards and 11 touchdowns—career highs that underscored his potential as a multifaceted weapon. Beyond the backfield, Wiley also contributed as a part-time kick returner, averaging 19.1 yards on 9 returns and piling up over 3,000 all-purpose yards during his Arizona tenure.
In Washington’s 2024 preseason, Wiley carried the ball 17 times for 67 yards (3.94 yards per carry) and 2 touchdowns, while adding 6 receptions for 37 yards. Though he fumbled once (recovering it himself), his ability to contribute in multiple facets makes him an intriguing fit for Kansas City’s dynamic offense.
Wiley’s arrival injects fresh competition into an already stacked Chiefs running back room, led by star Isiah Pacheco. With veteran Kareem Hunt and seventh-round rookie Brashard Smith likely locks for the Week 1 roster, Wiley will vie for a potential RB/returner role against free agent Elijah Mitchell, 2024 UDFA fan favorite Carson Steele, and 2025 UDFA Elijah Young.
The Chiefs’ rushing depth faced scrutiny during training camp, but the group showed promise in their preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals. Hunt and Steele led with 6.0 and 5.0 yards per carry, respectively, while Mitchell averaged 3.3 and Smith 2.5—though Smith’s primary impact is expected in the passing game. Young trailed with 2.5 yards per carry, leaving room for Wiley to make his case.
Wiley’s receiving prowess and return experience could give him an edge in this crowded race, especially as Kansas City looks to replace the versatility lost to injury. With two more preseason games to prove himself, the former Arizona star has a golden opportunity to carve out a role in one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.