KC Chiefs still have plenty of WR help in case of emergency

Ihmir Smith-Marsette

If there’s any direct link to the Chiefs releasing Fountain, it might be because they added Smith-Marsette only days before to the practice squad. The Chiefs apparently like what they’ve seen on film (or in person) from Smith-Marsette over the years and they like him enough to sign him to the P.S. to see what he can do upon closer inspection.

Smith-Marsette was a fifth-round pick only a year ago for the Minnesota Vikings, so it feels safe to say that he was somewhere appreciable on the Chiefs’ draft board as well. He caught only five passes in 8 games for the Vikings during his rookie year, but in the team’s final game, he showed off 3 catches for 103 yards and 1 touchdown, which gave his stock a lot of momentum heading into the offseason.

Unfortunately, Smith-Marsette would miss the Vikings’ offseason practices with a lower leg injury and further personnel moves drowned him out of the competition. From there he was waived in September after the Vikings traded for Jalen Reagor from the Eagles and the Chicago Bears claimed him on waivers. The Bears released him after he fumbled late in a game against the Vikings earlier this year. Now he’s with his third NFL franchise.

The Chiefs might like his ability to push for a roster spot and his return capabilities. Watch Smith-Marsette as a potential wild card on the practice squad.

Jerrion Ealy

Ealy joined the Chiefs this summer as one of the most celebrated rookie free agents around after showing off some impressive offensive versatility at Ole Miss. Ealy profiled as a potential scatback/wide receiver with return capabilities and the Chiefs brought him in with a solid bonus to see more in training camp.

Ealy averaged 5.8 yards/carry for Ole Miss and had 20 touchdowns on the ground. He also caught 67 passes and showed off solid hands in the passing game. He also had 2 career touchdowns in 34 kick returns over his three-year collegiate career.

Unfortunately, Ealy was suspended at the beginning of the month for six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Unofficially, it looks as if the earliest he could return will be at the end of November for a game on the 27th at home against the L.A. Rams. 

The truth is that Ealy is likely a last resort for the Chiefs in terms of wide receiver help. His place on the practice squad is likely all about developmental work until next offseason when he can compete for a job as a seasoned player growing into a potential role.