Hendershot was acquired for a conditional 2026 seventh-round selection late in August from the Cowboys. Those conditions are unlikely to be met, as the Chiefs played Hendershot in just one game. He could be of interest to teams looking for some depth in the tight end room.

The Cowboys planned to waive Hendershot today but instead will unload him to the Chiefs for a late-round lottery ticket in the 2026 draft. A 2022 undrafted free agent, Hendershot appeared in 25 games for Dallas but was not much of a factor in the box scores. With the Chiefs placing Irv Smith on the IR today, the team is likely viewing Hendershot as a replacement to ensure depth at the tight end position.

The 2022 UDFA popped up for a few catches over the past two years but missed most of 2023 with an ankle injury. Already 25, it’s not a great sign for Hendershot’s NFL future that he’s getting waived despite the Cowboys’ lack of pass-catching depth. He does figure to end up back on the practice squad if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

Hendershot’s practice window to be activated off injured reserve has been open for a couple of weeks. He was initially put on injured reserve with an ankle injury and has one week of activation eligibility left. While every Cowboys player on the 53-man roster practiced Wednesday and is available for Thursday’s matchup against the Seahawks, Hendershot is a candidate to be activated prior to the game. Jake Ferguson has been the Cowboys’ primary tight end with Hendershot out.