Veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries stepped onto the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice field for the first time on Tuesday, just days after signing with the team. Despite his presence, the timeline for his on-field contributions remains uncertain.

The Chiefs have been seeking stability at left tackle, as both Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia have struggled to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. This prompted general manager Brett Veach to bring in Humphries, who has been rehabbing a torn ACL sustained in Week 17 of last season with the Arizona Cardinals.

Adding a player of Humphries’ caliber midseason is uncommon, especially for a team pursuing its third consecutive Super Bowl title. The former Pro Bowler has quickly made an impression.

“You don’t see too many players like him join a team in this position,” said offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “Funny enough, his dad and I were teammates in the Arena League back in 2004, which makes you feel old! But D.J.’s personality and eagerness to learn our system are great to see.

The Chiefs, boasting a 10-1 record and leading the AFC by a game over Buffalo, are gearing up to face the Raiders this Friday at Arrowhead Stadium.

Newly signed veteran tackle D.J. Humphries will require time to adjust, both due to his recovery from a knee injury and acclimating to the team’s system. With six regular-season games remaining, the Chiefs can afford to gradually integrate him into the lineup.

“It’s a day-to-day process,” said offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “Recovering from an injury while joining a new team adds layers of complexity, so it’ll take time.”

Tuesday was a whirlwind of roster moves for the Chiefs as they prepared for the quick turnaround following their narrow win over Carolina. Kicker Spencer Shrader, perfect in relief of Harrison Butker, missed practice with a hamstring injury, potentially sidelining him for Friday’s game. The Chiefs signed kicker Matthew Wright, recently released by San Francisco, to their practice squad as insurance.

To accommodate Humphries, the team placed tight end Peyton Hendershot on injured reserve with a calf injury. Other roster updates included releasing Lucas Niang and Truman Jones from the practice squad, adding tight end Baylor Cupp, and monitoring linebacker Cameron Thomas, who missed practice due to illness. Running back Isiah Pacheco and pass rusher Charles Omenihu are also possible returnees for Friday’s matchup.

The 10-1 Chiefs, leading the AFC by a game over Buffalo, are set to face the Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday.

Newly signed offensive tackle D.J. Humphries will need time to adapt as he recovers from a knee injury and adjusts to the team’s system. With six regular-season games left, the Chiefs have flexibility in easing him back.

“It’s a day-to-day process,” said offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “Joining a new team while coming off an injury is a challenge that takes time.”

Tuesday saw a flurry of roster activity as the Chiefs managed a quick turnaround following Spencer Shrader’s game-winning kick against Carolina. Shrader, who has been flawless in relief of injured kicker Harrison Butker, missed practice with a hamstring injury, putting his availability for Friday in doubt. The Chiefs added kicker Matthew Wright, recently released by San Francisco, to their practice squad as a backup option.

To make room for Humphries, tight end Peyton Hendershot was placed on injured reserve with a calf injury. Additionally, linebacker Cameron Thomas missed practice due to illness, and offensive lineman Lucas Niang and defensive lineman Truman Jones were released from the practice squad. Tight end Baylor Cupp was re-signed to the squad.

Further roster updates are possible, with running back Isiah Pacheco and pass rusher Charles Omenihu potentially returning to action for Friday’s game.

Running back Isiah Pacheco, sidelined since Week 2 with a fractured fibula, has been practicing cautiously over the past weeks. While Kareem Hunt has performed admirably in his absence, Pacheco’s return would add depth and versatility to the Chiefs’ backfield.

“The great thing is having two backs at full strength,” said offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “Instead of one wearing down late in the game, you’ve got two guys running at 100 percent. It’s a big boost for us.”

Defensively, the Chiefs are eager to debut pass rusher Charles Omenihu, recovering from an ACL tear sustained in last year’s playoffs. With only 21 sacks this season, the Chiefs rank near the bottom of the league in quarterback pressure.

“Charles brings versatility, playing both inside and out, said defensive tackle Chris Jones. “Adding another pass rusher strengthens our defense and gives us more options up front.”

Both players could significantly impact Friday’s matchup against the Raiders, as the Chiefs aim to solidify their AFC lead.