Kansas City Chiefs add veteran offensive lineman Kyle Long to active roster

Kansas City’s offensive line received a boost Tuesday with an expected move.

The Chiefs officially activated offensive lineman Kyle Long from the physically unable to perform list to the 53-player roster, a source told The Star.

Long’s return comes a day after Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said a decision was forthcoming.

The veteran offensive lineman came out of retirement during the offseason and signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs during free agency. But he injured his lower leg during organized team activities and the Chiefs placed Long, 32, on the PUP list to start the regular season after he missed training camp and all three preseason games.

Long, a three-time Pro Bowl selection while with the Chicago Bears, provides depth to the front five and flexibility to play either guard or tackle.

To make room for Long on the active roster, the Chiefs placed running back Jerick McKinnon (hamstring) and defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (knee) on injured reserve.

McKinnon suffered his injury in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys, while Saunders has dealt with the knee injury in recent weeks.

The Chiefs also have a roster exemption on wide receiver Marcus Kemp, who returned Monday after spending Week 11 on the reserve/COVID-19 list.