Chiefs Position Battles To Watch Vs. Panthers

Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Frankie Hammond (85) returns a punt during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 41 – 39. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

3. Final Wide Receiver Spot

Primary Figures: Weston Dressler, Frankie Hammond, Mark Harrison

With the suspension of Dwayne Bowe for one game, the Chiefs suddenly have an extra roster spot open to start the season. It is not guaranteed the Chiefs will use the spot on a wide receiver but the Chiefs are going to need a little extra help there if they are going to be down a receiver against Tennessee. Thus creates a fresh opportunity for Weston Dressler, Frankie Hammond, and Mark Harrison to make the team.

Barring an injury, it would seem the six Chiefs wide receivers who will end up making the team are Bowe, Donnie Avery, A.J. Jenkins, Kyle Williams, Junior Hemingway, and Albert Wilson. With De’Anthony Thomas receiving more snaps at wide receiver in practice, it would stand to reason the Chiefs are unlikely to keep a seventh receiver and instead look to carry an extra defensive back or offensive lineman. This leaves guys like Dressler, Hammond, and Harrison on the outside looking in.

Bowe suspension gives Hammond the first shot at making the team for at least one week. Hammond has experience with the offense has displayed the kind of speed the Chiefs are looking for out of their wide receivers. He also has some return skill ability the Chiefs could take advantage of if needed.

Dressler needs to make a move tonight if he wants a shot at being considered for the extra wide receiver spot. Unlike most of the receivers in camp he’s been able to stay healthy for most of training camp but he has not been able to capitalize on that extra time. Dressler was not a factor in the first preseason game and will need to stand out in some way tonight if he wants a chance to make the team.