Veteran OT DJ Humphries joins Chiefs after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in the Arizona-NFL game

Photo: The Canadian Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – Veteran offensive tackle DJ Humphries joined the Kansas City Chiefs on the practice field for the first time Tuesday, four days after signing with the Super Bowl champions, though it’s unclear when he’ll be able to help.

The Chiefs were in desperate need of help, especially at left tackle, where Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia struggled to protect the blind side of quarterback Patrick Mahomes. That prompted general manager Brett Veach to contact Humphries, who was recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered with the Cardinals in Week 17 last season.

It’s a rare addition of a former Pro Bowl player to a team chasing an unprecedented third straight Lombardi Trophy.

“You don’t remember too many of them coming to the game like that,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said. “I met DJ and found out what he was about – ironically, our icebreaker, his dad and I were teammates in the Arena League in 2004. It makes you feel old. But he was great. I love his personality and he’s excited to come here and learn what we do.”

The Chiefs, who are 10-1 and lead the AFC after their game against Buffalo, will play the Raiders on Friday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Humphries will need a period of strengthening, not only because of the recent addition, but also because of the time the 31-year-old has spent rehabbing a knee injury. But with six games left in the regular season, the Chiefs can afford to take their time.

“We’re probably checking on a day-to-day basis to see what condition it’s in,” Nagy said. “There are a lot of things that come with any player coming back from injury, especially with a new team. This will take some time. “

It was a busy day full of lineup changes for the Chiefs, especially considering the quick turnaround between Spencer Shrader’s game-winning kick against Carolina last Sunday and Friday’s matchup against longtime AFC West rival Las Vegas.

Shrader, who has been outstanding with field goals and PATs in two games in place of the injured Harrison Butker, missed Tuesday’s practice with a hamstring injury, which could also sideline him this week. The Chiefs signed Matthew Wright, who was released from San Francisco on Nov. 15, to the practice squad and would use him if needed.

The Chiefs cleared a roster spot for Humphries by placing Peyton Hendershot on injured reserve with a calf injury, while defenseman Cameron Thomas did not practice Tuesday due to illness. Offensive lineman Lucas Niang and defensive lineman Truman Jones were released from the practice squad, and Baylor Cupp was reinstated to the practice squad.

It’s possible that running back Isiah Pacheco and forward Charles Omenihu will play on Friday, which could see more moves.

Pacheco has been on injured reserve since Week 2, when he broke his right fibula against Cincinnati. He has been practicing over the past few weeks, but the Chiefs have been cautious about getting all of their running backs ready to play.

Kareem Hunt has performed well in his place, but adding Pacheco would give the Chiefs a deeper and more versatile defense.

“The best thing about it is that there isn’t just one game where he gets tired to the point of 50 or 60 percent in the third quarter. Now you have two that are working 100 percent,” Nagy said. “Once they’re up and running, we’re confident in who they are and how much they can help us, and we’re excited about that.”

The Chiefs are also excited to get Omenihu on the field for the first time since he tore his right anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the playoffs. Their pass rush did not put pressure on the quarterback, and their 21 sacks were better than only four other NFL teams.

“Charles’ versatility, both inside and outside, adds depth to our defense, especially on the D-line,” said Chiefs defenseman Chris Jones. “And he is a person who rushes the pass. It’s always good to have more passing players on the pitch.”

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