Chiefs sign P Johnny Townsend to practice squad
The Kansas City Chiefs have added punter Johnny Townsend to the practice squad according to the NFL’s official transaction report. Johnny’s younger brother, Tommy, is a rookie for the Chiefs on the 53-man roster. Tommy also happens to play the punter position. That won’t be confusing at all.
Kansas City had Johnny in for a visit during the bye week. The 25-year old punter was a fifth-round draft pick by the Raiders back in 2018. He only lasted a season there, but had opportunities with the Giants and most recently the Ravens. He hasn’t found a place to stick yet.
Both Johnny and Tommy played collegiately at the University of Florida. Johnny holds a number of records for the Gators as their all-time leading punter with 11,090 yards and 240 total punts after playing there for four seasons. He definitely has some talent but hasn’t had the opportunity to showcase it in the NFL yet.
Fans might be thinking this is a questionable move. I can already hear the, ‘Why waste a practice squad spot on a punter’ comments. It actually makes some sense for the Chiefs to have another specialist on the practice squad given the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any player can become unavailable at any given time and it takes much longer to get guys in the building with the COVID-19 protocols. Having someone available and ready to play on the practice squad is probably a smart move.
In a corresponding move, DT Braxton Hoyett was subsequently activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list and waived from the practice squad. That made room for the elder Townsend to sign to the practice squad.
