Keaontay Ingram didn't get a chance in Chiefs offense (and another one is unlikely)

The Kansas City Chiefs might bring him back—even as soon as tomorrow. As of now, running back Keaontay Ingram has cleared waivers and is a free agent once again. A reunion with the Chiefs practice squad makes the most sense—even if it's the farthest he gets with the team.

The Chiefs waived Ingram on Tuesday as they prepared the roster for Week 4 to face the Los Angeles Chargers.

Promoted by the team coming into Week 3, Ingram was actually active for the Chiefs on Sunday instead of just a healthy scratch to cover their bases. Surprisingly, however, the team didn't give Ingram a single touch once he was available in a primetime win over the Atlanta Falcons.

If Ingram didn't get a run at some reps in Week 3, he's likely never going to find them with the Chiefs this season.

Ingram has drawn praise from the coaching staff as well as Chiefs general manager Brett Veach this past offseason for what he can bring, but his plus running style has yet to earn him some looks on offense. Head coach Andy Reid said he was "ready for it," meaning his promotion, but the team went with Carson Steele and Samaje Perine as their chosen rushers.

Back in May, general manager Brett Veach spoke at a press conference about the roster and even reminded reporters that he was on the roster.

"Keaontay Ingram is a guy we liked, too," said Veach after the 2024 NFL Draft. We got him late last year and it’s hard when guys come in in the middle of the season. We had to add him to the practice squad late. But we were a fan of his when he was at USC."

As for Reid's quote about his readiness, the full context paints an even better picture of Ingram.

“He had a really good camp for us," said Reid. "Felt comfortable with him moving up. Like I said, if you’re moved up, you’re expected to be ready to play, and I think he’s done that. He’s worked hard on the scout team part of it, stayed in tun with the offense. He’s in all the meetings, so we felt he was ready for that.”

Being ready is one thing but earning a rep is another. While the Chiefs have to be pleased with Sunday's results, especially seeing Carson Steele generate a healthy 72 yards on 17 carries, the offensive game plan left Ingram out of the loop.

Moving forward, it's going to be even tougher for Ingram to carve out his place with the arrival of Kareem Hunt to the roster and the pending return of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, which could come as soon as next week. Even more. Isiah Pacheco is scheduled to return by mid-season from a fractured fibula.

At that point, with a full running back room, it's going to be tough for Ingram to see the field as part of the active roster again—at least without another run of unexpected injuries or issues at the position. The Chiefs have given themselves more options in the face of a great early-season need and when the dust settles, the cupboards will simply be too full for someone like Ingram to make a dent.

Ingram joined the Chiefs in November 2023 shortly after receiving his release from the Arizona Cardinals. He was the Cards' sixth-round choice in the 2022 NFL Draft.