Kansas City Chiefs Claim Shane Buechele from Bills Practice Squad
The life of an NFL practice squad player can be unpredictable, often characterized by fleeting opportunities and sudden changes. Shane Buechele, a reserve quarterback who spent the majority of three seasons with the Buffalo Bills, recently experienced this reality firsthand.
With injuries striking their quarterback corps, specifically ACL tears to both Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew, the Kansas City Chiefs found themselves in urgent need of additional depth at the position. As a result, the Chiefs claimed Buechele from the Bills’ practice squad, showcasing how quickly fortunes can shift in the league.
Under NFL rules, any player on a practice squad is fair game for other teams, provided the claiming team adds that player to their 53-man roster immediately. This rule underscores the competitive nature of the league, where teams are constantly looking to bolster their rosters with available talent.
Reflecting on Buechele’s departure, Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed his support, saying, “I think more than anything, I’m happy for Shane.” His words highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists within the league, as coaches and players navigate the ups and downs of professional football.
Buechele’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by those in the margins of the NFL, and the Chiefs’ decision to bring him aboard illustrates the ever-evolving landscape of team rosters in pursuit of success.

