Overlooked angles of the KC Chiefs recent roster moves
By Matt Conner
Earlier this week, the Kansas City Chiefs made a number of roster moves that, while minor, still have considerable effect on the team and the makeup of the present active roster as the team prepares for its first contest out of the bye.
The Chiefs activated wide receiver Marcus Kemp from the team’s COVID reserve list on Monday while adding tight end Nakia Griffin-Stewart to the practice squad. On Tuesday, they sent defensive lineman Khalen Saunders to injured reserve along with running back Jerick McKinnon while activating Kyle Long from the practice window after coming off the PUP list.
It’s not as if any one of those moves hold significant sway over the Chiefs fortunes going forward this week against the Denver Broncos. However the game of football often comes down to the details and there are plenty of wrinkles to discuss in the midst of these roster moves. Here are some overlooked angles resulting from the team’s recent transactions.
Derrick Gore remains an asset
There’s a segment of Chiefs Kingdom who seem to be big believers in Derrick Gore, and they’re not without their legitimate reasons. Fortunately he should be secure on the active roster for most of the next month after watching McKinnon hit injured reserve.
Gore signed with the Chiefs shortly after the 2020 season on a futures contract after a couple stints with the L.A. Chargers in 2019-20. He really came into the spotlight in the preseason when Gore had some very productive games. The Chiefs went ahead and placed him on the practice squad after Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams, and McKinnon made the active roster, but Gore has been a familiar face given the injuries to CEH and now McKinnon.
It’s not as if the Chiefs are going to give Gore a ton of playing time given that both RB1 and RB2 are healthy and looking good before the bye, but Gore should be able to spell those players at times and provide special teams duty as well. Through five games, Gore has 20 rushes for 80 yards and 1 touchdown.
For a guy who was a likely roster cut with everyone healthy, Gore has been given another few weeks to impress the Chiefs.