Chiefs v. Packers: Are there surprise cuts around the corner?

Offensive notes and players to watch

Obviously, none of the starters will be playing for the Chiefs on Thursday. In fact, I’d guess that very few of the heavy rotational backups will be playing either. The Chiefs know what they have at virtually every position on offense. They’re one of the few teams where almost every starter is deeply entrenched, and most of the backups have been identified. That said, there are still a handful of players to watch.

The backup quarterback battle heated up as a result of the injury to Chad Henne on Saturday. Chase Litton and Kyle Shurmur have both had an up and down preseason, with neither taking the needed step to identify themselves as a starter. This was made even more clear when the Chiefs’ immediately signed former Miami Dolphin Matt Moore upon receiving the news that Henne would need surgery.

It now looks like both players are competing for the third quarterback spot, with one of them leaving final cuts without a job. While Shurmur’s play time has increased each game, and Litton’s has decreased, the latest depth chart shows the Litton as the third string ahead of Shurmur. At this point, it seems Shurmur must have a very good game on Thursday in order to make the active roster. That said, there’s a good chance he makes it to the Chiefs practice squad if he does in fact get cut.

The running back group is also intriguing. The Chiefs made several acquisitions this offseason, bringing in Carlos Hyde and De’Anthony Thomas, drafting Darwin Thompson, and switching project corner and return specialist Tremon Smith to running back. This room is obviously too crowded, and at least one or two of these players looks to be on the chopping block.

Tremon Smith is listed as the team’s top kick returner, followed by Hill. This is incredibly surprising as Smith hasn’t produced either at corner or running back, and several other players have demonstrated good return ability comparable to what he brings on special teams.

A player that could potentially take his spot is Byron Pringle. Pringle hasn’t done much on offense this preseason, but was a favorite UDFA among fans last preseason before his mysterious injury relegated him to injured reserve. He’s likely a lock to make the active roster with the injury to Marcus Kemp, but it’s also possible his presence could diminish the need for Smith. If Pringle gets the opportunity to return kicks on Thursday and shines, this may be bad news for Smith.

Then, there’s Carlos Hyde and Darrell Williams. Both have played scantily in the preseason, and haven’t shown much as a result. Darwin Thompson has emerged as a playmaker, landing him the second spot on the depth chart. It’s possible the Chiefs’ keep four running backs, but it’s also unlikely.

Especially with the signing of versatile running back and special teams ace De’Anthony Thomas, one of these players looks to be on the chopping block. Whoever performs better in Thursday’s game should tell us who the coaches will likely keep and vice versa.