Kansas City Chiefs: Key Roster Decisions Ahead of Cutdown Day

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their final preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium, the looming roster cutdown on Tuesday is front and center. With only a few days left to trim the roster from 90 players down to the 53-man squad, the team is facing crucial decisions that will affect both the short-term and long-term success of the franchise. Roster cuts are never easy, especially when players are battling injuries and others are fighting for their place on the team. The Chiefs have a few key issues to resolve, and with training camp nearing its end, all eyes are on the roster battles that could shape the upcoming season.

Injuries and Key Players Out

The Chiefs have already ruled out several players for their last preseason game, as injuries continue to impact the team’s preparations for the 2023 season. Notably, Jake Brento (tight end) is recovering from a hamstring injury, Jack Cochran (linebacker) is sidelined due to a knee contusion, and Ethan Driscoll (offensive lineman) has been out after undergoing an appendectomy. Along with Mike Edwards (safety) and Nazi Johnson (cornerback), these players’ injuries have forced the Chiefs to make tough calls about roster spots. The team also has players such as Omar Norman-Lot (defensive tackle) and Jaylen Royals (wide receiver) dealing with injuries, putting their spots in jeopardy for the upcoming season.

Despite these setbacks, there’s some positive news. Tight end Jake Brento has returned to practice, showing signs of recovery from his hamstring injury, but he remains unlikely to play in the final preseason game. Similarly, Jack Cochran and Nazi Johnson are working their way back from injuries but are not expected to feature in the Bears game. The good news is that the Chiefs still have time to evaluate their players before the final cutdown.

Christian Fulton and Hollywood Brown: Players to Watch

While injuries have hindered several players, two key individuals are making their way back to the field and could play a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ decision-making. Christian Fulton, the cornerback who has been recovering from a knee injury, is set to get some valuable game time in the final preseason contest. Hollywood Brown, the wide receiver who has been sidelined with an ankle/foot injury, is also expected to feature in some capacity. Both players have been working hard to get back on track, and their performances in this game could determine their status for the 53-man roster.

Head coach Andy Reid has confirmed that the starters will get some time in the final game, though it’s uncertain how long they will play. Many of the Chiefs’ starters, including Fulton and Brown, will likely only see one or two drives before being pulled to avoid further injury. However, this will be crucial for both players to gain game reps before the regular season kicks off. With Rushi Rice’s suspension looming, having Brown and Fulton available would help bolster the Chiefs’ roster as they head into Week 1 against the Chargers.

The Rushi Rice Suspension: A Major Concern

Speaking of Rushi Rice, his potential suspension is a topic of significant concern for the Chiefs. According to reports from NFL insiders Adam Schefter and Tom Pelisero, the league initially pushed for an eight-game suspension for Rice, who faces disciplinary action for an off-field incident. Rice’s camp has been advocating for a shorter suspension, with a possible four to six games being the most likely outcome.

This suspension, if it happens, would have a massive impact on the Chiefs’ wide receiver room. With Rice potentially sidelined for the first few weeks of the season, the Chiefs will need to make sure they have adequate depth at the receiver position. Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, Jaylen Royals, Juju Smith-Schuster, Taekwon Thornton, and Nico Rami are all competing for spots on the team, and Nico Rami’s role as a return specialist could give him an edge in securing a place on the roster.

Roster Battles: Wide Receiver and Running Back Rooms

The Chiefs’ wide receiver room is stacked with talent, but there are still several key decisions to be made. In addition to Rice, Worthy, Brown, and Royals, players like Bashard Smith and Sky Moore are fighting for spots. Bashard Smith has had an impressive preseason, showcasing his speed and explosiveness, but he will need to continue performing in the final game to secure his place. Sky Moore has had some struggles, including several drops, which could hurt his chances to make the roster.

As for the running back position, Isaiah Pacheco is locked in as the starter, but the backup roles are still up for grabs. Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, Bashard Smith, and Carson Steel are all vying for positions. While Pacheco is firmly in place as the starter, Mitchell’s contract and experience give him an edge for a roster spot. Meanwhile, Steel has struggled to make a case for himself, especially in short-yardage situations. Hunt’s ability to handle the tough, short-yardage plays could help him secure a spot over Steel, but it will come down to their performances in the final preseason game.

Tight End: A Strong Core but Limited Spots

The Chiefs have a solid group of tight ends, with Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Jared Wy leading the way. While Kelce is obviously untouchable as one of the league’s best tight ends, the battle for the backup spots is heating up. Robert Tonan has had an impressive preseason and could earn a roster spot with a strong performance in the final game. However, as a vested veteran, Tonan does not need to clear waivers and could be signed to the practice squad if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster.

With Rice’s suspension possibly forcing the Chiefs to keep seven wide receivers, the tight end group may need to be trimmed to just three. Tonan could be the odd man out if the team opts to keep more wide receivers, but his strong performances could make it difficult for the Chiefs to let him go.

Defensive Line and Depth Concerns

On defense, the Chiefs are also facing a few important decisions, particularly on the defensive line. With Omar Norman-Lot’s injury, the Chiefs may be looking to add more depth at defensive tackle. One name that has emerged as a potential addition is Derrick Naughty, a former Chief who was recently cut by the New York Jets. Naughty would provide much-needed depth at the defensive tackle position, and the Chiefs may bring him back as a vested veteran, meaning he wouldn’t have to clear waivers. His experience and familiarity with the Chiefs could make him a strong candidate for the 53-man roster.

Along with Chris Jones, Jerry Tillery, Omar Norman-Lot, and Mike Panell, the Chiefs’ defensive line looks solid, but Naughty’s return could provide a boost to the unit, especially if Norman-Lot‘s injury lingers into the regular season.

Special Teams: Maintaining Stability

The Chiefs’ special teams unit looks solid heading into the season, with James Winchester as the long snapper, Harrison Butker as the kicker, and Matt Arisa as the punter. However, the Chiefs may make a few changes based on their preseason performance and any potential injuries in the final game. Special teams play can often be the deciding factor for a player’s spot on the roster, and several positions will be up for grabs.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Chiefs?

The Chiefs will head into their final preseason game with a lot of questions still to be answered. The performance of key players like Fulton, Brown, and Smith will have a significant impact on the team’s roster decisions. With roster cuts looming and the start of the regular season just around the corner, every decision made in the next few days will be crucial for the team’s success.

As the Chiefs prepare for their final preseason game and roster cutdowns, it’s clear that the competition is fierce. Players are fighting for their NFL careers, and the Chiefs coaching staff will be closely watching every move as they shape their 53-man roster. The next few days will be crucial for many players as they look to secure their place on the roster and make an impact during the 2023 season.