KC Chiefs 53-man roster prediction includes preseason trades
By Matt Conner
Running backs
In: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams, Jerick McKinnon, Michael Burton
Out: Darwin Thompson, Derrick Gore
Chiefs Kingdom has its collective fingers crossed hoping this is going to Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s breakthrough season. That’s not to say he looked bad last season, but with a full year of experience in Andy Reid’s system and a hopefully healthy start to the season, he has a chance to put up some very special production in a time when this offense could use a third dominant force alongside Tyreek and Travis.
Beyond that, Darrel Williams has been in the concussion protocol for much of the preseason, but if you want to know what the Chiefs think of him, just remember they turned to him as the postseason bell cow even with Le’Veon Bell waiting in the wings.
As for the backups, Jerick McKinnon looks like the real deal after a couple preseasons in which offseason veterans didn’t pull through (e.g. Bell and LeSean McCoy). That means he’s not going anywhere.
Michael Burton is this year’s Anthony Sherman without the memorable gear, but fans are going to like his no-nonsense style on the field when called upon.
As for the ones who are out, either Thompson and Gore would be a solid practice squad bet and it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see another team claim Thompson in particular.