Kansas City Chiefs place Phillip Gaines on injured reserve

The Kansas City Chiefs have placed cornerback Phillip Gaines on injured reserve, likely ending his career with the team that drafted him.

The Kansas City Chiefs have lost a few players to injured reserve this week as they prepare their roster for the postseason. The team lost a number of folks during their Week 17 win over the Denver Broncos, a list that includes returner Akeem Hunt, wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas and, now, cornerback Phillip Gaines. The team placed Gaines on injured reserve, per Adam Caplan, on Wednesday.

Gaines was drafted by the Chiefs back in the 2014 NFL Draft in the third round. He never quite lived up to even his Day 2 status as a pick for John Dorsey, despite the obvious potential flashed, especially during his rookie season. Injuries would often take their toll and inconsistency would plague him on the field.

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Gaines started only 16 games for the Chiefs over the last four years although he has played in 41 total games, mostly as a sub package player when the Chiefs are heavy on pass defense, which is most of the time. However, he sunk down the depth chart as the Chiefs drafted other options like Steven Nelson and Marcus Peters. Even street free agents like Terrance Mitchell and Darrelle Revis wound up with more playing time (and better results).

The end is likely here for Gaines’s career in Kansas City. Some other team will likely sign him due to his draft pedigree and the talent shown during his time at Rice. Perhaps another scheme or change of scenery will do him some good, but there’s simply no reason for the Chiefs to make a play for Gaines after this season as he hits unrestricted free agency.

Gaines has 97 career tackles to go with 14 passes defended and a single interception.

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