Chiefs Rookie Jake Briningstool: Why The Promising Tight End Is Sidelined And His Current December 2025 Practice Status

The Kansas City Chiefs' pursuit of another Super Bowl title in the 2025 season has been a relentless grind, but one promising young player has been conspicuously absent from the field: rookie tight end Jake Briningstool. As of this current date, Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Briningstool remains on the team’s Injured Reserve (IR) list, a significant setback for a player who entered training camp with considerable buzz. His practice status is the subject of constant speculation among the Chiefs Kingdom, as fans wonder when the talented pass-catcher might finally be activated and contribute to the offense.

The former Clemson standout’s journey from a highly-touted undrafted free agent (UDFA) to a player designated for return on IR encapsulates the unpredictable nature of the NFL. A hamstring injury suffered during the early days of training camp derailed his immediate plans, but his designation for return means the team still views him as a valuable asset for the latter half of the season. His potential activation could provide a much-needed spark to the tight end depth chart behind perennial All-Pro Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.

Jake Briningstool: Full Biography and Clemson Career Highlights

Jake Briningstool was one of the most intriguing undrafted free agent signings for the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2025 NFL Draft. His collegiate production and physical profile suggested he was a player who should have heard his name called during the draft weekend. The Chiefs quickly secured his signature, adding a high-upside developmental piece to their roster.

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• Full Name: Jacob "Jake" Briningstool
• Date of Birth: December 9, 2002
• Hometown: Brentwood, Tennessee
• High School: Clarksville Academy (Tennessee)
• Position: Tight End (TE)
• Height: 6'6"
• Weight: 240 lbs
• College: Clemson University
• Draft Status: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) - 2025 NFL Draft
• Clemson Career Highlights: Finished his collegiate career tied for the seventh-most receptions by a tight end in ACC history. He also holds the Clemson tight end record for three career 100-yard receiving games.

Briningstool’s time at Clemson was marked by steady improvement and impressive receiving ability. He played long, utilizing his nearly 6-foot-6 frame and good catch radius to haul in passes. His advanced ball skills and ability to catch the football with his hands away from his body made him a dangerous threat in the passing game, earning him a reputation as a plucky and aggressive receiver.

The Rookie Hype: From UDFA Surprise to Training Camp Standout

The signing of Jake Briningstool generated immediate excitement in Kansas City. Given his impressive college production and physical tools, many draft analysts were surprised that no team selected him in the 2025 NFL Draft. General Manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs coaching staff clearly saw the same potential, quickly bringing him into the fold to compete for a roster spot.

During the Chiefs' rookie minicamp and the initial phases of training camp, Briningstool quickly validated the hype. He was one of the undrafted free agents who made a strong first impression on the coaching staff. His size and receiving acumen translated well to the professional level, and he began to climb the unofficial tight end depth chart.

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A specific moment that highlighted his potential came during a training camp practice. Briningstool made a "noteworthy play" when he went up to make a physical reception on a jump ball at the goal line during a 7-on-7 drill. These flashes of high-level playmaking ability, particularly in the red zone, suggested he had a real chance to make the 53-man roster or at least secure a spot on the practice squad.

However, that momentum was abruptly halted. Just days into training camp, Briningstool suffered a hamstring injury. While he attempted to return and briefly did so on August 18, the injury proved significant enough that the Chiefs decided to place him on Injured Reserve before the start of the regular season.

Current Practice Status: IR Designation and Return Timeline

As of mid-December 2025, Jake Briningstool's official status is on Injured Reserve (IR) with a hamstring injury. Crucially, he was placed on IR with a "Designation to Return," meaning the Chiefs fully intend for him to be a factor later in the season. This designation is a positive sign, indicating the team believes the injury is not season-ending and that he is part of their long-term plans.

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The IR Return Process Explained

Under the 2025 NFL rules, a player placed on the Injured Reserve list with a designation to return must miss a minimum number of games (typically four, though the exact rules can vary slightly year-to-year). Once this minimum period is over, the team can open a 21-day practice window. During this window:

• Return to Practice: The player can officially return to practice with the team. This is the first step in his return to the active roster.
• Practice Window: The Chiefs have 21 days from the day Briningstool returns to practice to activate him to the 53-man roster.
• Roster Activation: If the 21-day window closes without the player being activated, he must remain on Injured Reserve for the remainder of the season.
• Team Limit: Teams are allowed to designate up to eight players for return from IR during the regular season. As of the latest reports, the Chiefs have 6 activations remaining, giving them plenty of flexibility to activate Briningstool when he is ready.

Why No Activation Yet?

With the season deep into December, Briningstool has been eligible to return to practice for several weeks, with some speculation suggesting he could have been activated as early as Week 5. The fact that he has not yet had his 21-day practice window opened suggests a few possibilities:

1. Hamstring Recovery: The most likely reason is that the hamstring strain has been a stubborn injury, and the Chiefs' medical staff is taking a cautious approach. Hamstring injuries, especially for a player whose game relies on speed and explosiveness, are notoriously difficult to rush back.
2. Depth Chart Strategy: The Chiefs’ tight end depth, featuring the elite play of Travis Kelce and the reliable contributions of Noah Gray, has been solid. The team may be strategically saving their valuable IR activation slot for a time when the need is more immediate, such as a late-season injury to a key player.
3. Developmental Focus: Given Briningstool is an undrafted rookie, the team may be prioritizing a full recovery over a rushed return, viewing his potential impact more for the future than for the immediate playoff push.

The good news for Briningstool and the Chiefs is that his designation to return means his season is not over. He continues to rehab, and a return to the practice field in the coming weeks remains a strong possibility, especially as the team prepares for a deep playoff run. His activation would provide a fresh, athletic body to the tight end rotation and a potential matchup problem for opposing defenses in the postseason.