D.J.

Humphries

Humphries reported on his social media account a few weeks ago that he had agreed to a contract with the 49ers, but that does not appear to be the case. At least for now. Humphries tore his ACL at the end of the 2023 season and was released by the Cardinals. He spent most of the 2024 season rehabbing before signing with the Chiefs. He started at left tackle in Week 14 before hurting his hamstring and missing the rest of the season. He will continue to search for another opportunity.

Humphries played in only two games for the Chiefs last year as he spent most of the season rehabbing a late 2023 torn ACL on his own. He wasn’t appreciably good in either of those games, but he was rusty and does have a history of being better than that. Entering his age-32 season for the 49ers, he’ll probably be trying to win the right tackle job opposite Trent Williams in training camp.

The Chiefs also removed LT D.J. Humphries (hamstring) from their injury report after both were listed on the report to start the week. Despite being listed on the report, Jones and Humphries were full participants in practice all week long, meaning there’s little to no concern about their health heading into Saturday’s game against the Texans.

The Chiefs were hopeful that Jones may be able to go, but the calf injury and the short layoff made it impossible for the 30-year-old to go. There’s a good chance he’ll be able to play if Week 18 against the Broncos game if that contest has any significance. The Chiefs will miss Humphries for a third straight game, but Jawaan Taylor (knee) is active for the Christmas Day contest.

Patrick Mahomes, Hollywood Brown, and Harrison Butker are all officially active. Humphries has not practiced since suffering his hamstring injury towards the end of Week 14. Conner (concussion) did not practice at all this week. All other players listed are healthy scratches.

Humphries continues to struggle with hamstring problems, and with back-to-back short-week games on tap for the two-time defending champions, resting Humphries today is probably the best course of action in hopes he is ready for Saturday against the Texans. Patrick Mahomes’ protection will remain a glaring issue vs. Myles Garrett and company.

Humphries’ return is evidently short-lived. After playing his first game all season in Week 14, Humphries is likely to be ruled inactive for Week 15. The development drastically impacts the Chiefs’ ability to protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside. Among NFL teams in Weeks 1-13, the Chiefs’ collective left tackle spot grades out as the league’s worst unit, earning a 48.2 PFF pass-blocking grade.

Humphries, starting the first game of his season after recovering from a late-season ACL tear, injured the hamstring in the fourth quarter against the Chargers and left the game. If he were to miss time, the Chiefs would likely have to go back to Wanya Morris at left tackle.

The deal runs through the end of the 2024 NFL season and contains $2 million in guaranteed money. This is a great move for the 9-1 Chiefs, who are almost assuredly headed to the playoffs once again. Humphries played well as a pass blocker last season before tearing his ACL in Week 17.

Humphries is a 10-year vet of the league who has spent his entire year with the Cardinals. He started all 15 games he appeared in last season and earned a PFF pass-blocking grade of 68.4 while allowing four sacks on 28 pressures. Humphries visited with the Giants in late October but could prove valuable to a team late in the season should an injury arise. Now available to sign and participate in practices, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Humphries land with a team in the coming days/weeks.