Chiefs Sign Former Iowa Star Ethan Hurkett as Camp Injuries Mount
The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back a familiar face from the Hawkeye State to shore up a depleted defensive line. With training camp injuries piling up, the team signed former Iowa standout Ethan Hurkett on Saturday, giving the undrafted rookie another shot to prove his worth in the NFL.
Hurkett, who spent five seasons with the Hawkeyes, was one of the most productive pass rushers in the Big Ten during his final year in Iowa City. He recorded 36 tackles, eight sacks, and a forced fumble in 13 games, finishing his college career with 15.5 sacks overall. Despite that production, he went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This is not Hurkett's first stint with the Chiefs. He spent time with the team earlier this offseason but was released. Now, with injuries hitting the defensive line hard, Kansas City is giving him another look.
Why the Chiefs Need Hurkett Now
The Chiefs' defensive line depth has been tested early in camp. Backup defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott started camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Defensive end Ashton Gillotte suffered a hamstring injury last week. And the team lost Ethan Downs for the season after placing him on injured reserve with a knee injury.
That leaves the Chiefs thin at a position where they can least afford it. Hurkett will get reps right away with Gillotte sidelined, giving him a chance to impress coaches and potentially earn a spot on the practice squad or even the active roster.
Chiefs Digest reporter Matt Derrick confirmed the move on X, writing:
Only Chiefs' move on Saturday's NFL transaction report is the free-agent signing of former Iowa DE Ethan Hurkett, as I reported this morning. He practiced with the club today, wearing No. 54. Chiefs still have one open spot remaining on the active roster.
What Hurkett Brings to Kansas City
Hurkett is not the flashiest player, but he has a knack for getting to the quarterback. At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, he has the size and motor to be a situational pass rusher. His college tape shows a player who can win with both power and technique, and he has the versatility to line up at multiple spots along the defensive front.
For Iowa fans, Hurkett was a steady presence on a defense that consistently ranked among the best in the country. He was part of a Hawkeye program known for producing NFL-ready defensive linemen, and his work ethic and football IQ have never been in question.
The Chiefs are hoping he can translate that college success into NFL production, even if it is in a limited role at first.
Injuries Remain a Concern for the Chiefs
While the Chiefs' starting defensive line is healthy for now, the team is clearly bracing for more attrition. Training camp is a grind, and injuries are inevitable. Kansas City is trying to stay ahead of the curve by adding depth wherever possible.
Hurkett is competing for a practice squad spot, but he has a real opportunity to stand out. If he can show the same pass-rushing ability he displayed at Iowa, he could find himself on the active roster sooner rather than later.
The Chiefs still have one open roster spot, which they could use to address another position of need. But for now, the focus is on getting Hurkett up to speed and hoping the injury bug does not bite again.
For Iowa fans, it is a chance to see a former Hawkeye chase his NFL dream. For the Chiefs, it is a low-risk move that could pay off if Hurkett can recapture his college form.