Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is set to make final roster decisions ahead of the 2024 NFL season, and it appears that former rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit may fall short of earning a spot on the 53-man roster. 

The 23-year-old Welshman, who transitioned from rugby to American football earlier this year, is expected to be assigned to the Chiefs' practice squad to continue his development.

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Rees-Zammit made headlines in January when he announced his departure from rugby, where he scored 14 tries in 32 appearances for Wales. 

He then joined the NFL's International Player Pathway Program and signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs in March. 

Despite his athletic prowess, making the leap to the NFL has proven challenging for the former Gloucester winger.

Thursday’s 34-21 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears marked Rees-Zammit’s third appearance in the pre-season – the only organized American football games of his career thus far. 

During the game, he displayed glimpses of his potential, recording four carries for 21 yards and returning a kick for 36 yards. However, he struggled in some areas, missing a tackle on a punt return and failing to secure a pass on his lone target.

Reid remains optimistic about Rees-Zammit's progress.

“Yeah, we tried to get him the ball a little bit tonight, and he had some real positive yards," Reid said. "That’ll be good for him to see and study himself in live action like that. He’s a heck of an athlete. It’s just a matter of getting more familiar with it as he goes here. We’ll see how everything works out for him.”

While Rees-Zammit’s athletic talent is undeniable, many pundits agree that he has yet to show the consistency needed to secure a spot on the Chiefs' active roster. 

The Chiefs, who are vying for a third consecutive Super Bowl title, have limited roster spots available, making it difficult for the Welshman to break through just yet.

Rees-Zammit’s transition mirrors the journeys of other rugby players who have attempted to switch to the NFL, though the path has not been easy. 

Christian Wade, the former England and Wasps winger, also took the IPP route in 2019 and joined the Buffalo Bills, but despite scoring a memorable 65-yard touchdown in the preseason, he never made a regular-season appearance before returning to rugby in 2022. 

Christian Scotland-Williamson, another rugby player turned NFL hopeful, spent three years with the Pittsburgh Steelers after leaving Worcester in 2017, but he failed to make an appearance before returning to Harlequins in 2021.

Despite the challenges, Rees-Zammit remains determined to make his mark in the NFL. 

His likely assignment to the practice squad will provide him with more time to hone his skills and adapt to the sport. 

As the 2024 season approaches, his future in American football remains uncertain, but his journey undoubtedly will be one to watch.

The Rugby Championship 2024 Fixtures

August 10

• Australia 7, South Africa Springboks 33
• New Zealand All Blacks 30, Argentina 38

August 17

• New Zealand All Blacks vs. Argentina - 3:05 a.m. EDT
• Australia Vs. South Africa Springboks - 5:40 a.m. EDT

August 31

• South Africa Springboks vs. New Zealand All Blacks - 11 a.m. EDT
• Argentina vs. Australia - 5:00 p.m. EDT

September 7

• South Africa Springboks vs. New Zealand All Blacks - 11 a.m. EDT
• Argentina vs. Australia - 3 p.m. EDT

September 21

• Australia vs. New Zealand All Blacks - 1:55 a.m. EDT
• Argentina vs. South Africa Springboks - 5 p.m. EDT

September 28

• New Zealand All Blacks vs. Australia - 3:05 a.m. EDT
• South Africa Springboks vs. Argentina - 11 a.m. EDT

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