Roster spot thoughts
Quentin Morris @quentincmorris Chiefs Focus @Chiefsfocus
www.chiefsfocus.com
The Chiefs roster spots are becoming more and more clear as the third preseason game kicks off tonight. Tonight will determine final spots.
Justin Watson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman the last spot is still open to another player. On the official 2022 chiefs roster Daurice Fountain is listed as a wide receiver he may take the sixth spot. If the Chiefs decide to carry another wide receiver it will be someone who has shown the ability to be productive on special teams.
Another roster spot became available when Blake Bell had hip flexor surgery. Head coach Andy Reid referred to it as an unusual injury. With the success that Jody Fortson had, during the second preseason game against the Washington Commanders, proves that he deserves a roster spot and potentially more playing time.
Fortson had two touchdowns last week and both showed off unique skill sets. On the first touchdown he showed off his ability to get up and get a 50/50 ball against tight coverage. The second and more impressive touchdown Fortson showed off his ability to box out the defender. Boxing out a defender without using your hands is a skill set that is extremely effective in the red zone. The connection that he has with Patrick Mahomes means he should get a look during the final preseason game.
The biggest question mark definity the running back room. Derrick Gore was placed on injured reserve earlier this week after having surgery on his thumb.This may give Ronald Jones an opportunity to prove his worth on the roster. If the Chiefs keep 4 running backs on the Roster including the full back he may get an opportunity this week. Jerick McKinnion is also fighting for that roster spot. He has been utilized in the passing game more than other running backs. He has also shown off his abilities in pass blocking. Both of those give him an opportunity to be the Chiefs third down back.
The only two running backs I am certain will make the roster will be Clyde Edwards-Helaire and rookie sensation Isiah Pacheco.
The biggest question with quarterback is how much time will Shane Buechele get. The Chiefs seem to really like what he brings to the table. There is speculation they are grooming him to be the next back up after Chad Henne. If Crum gets no significant time during this game he is going to be cut off this roster.
The defense feels more complete; we know the starters at all three levels. The defensive line will have Frank Clark, Chris JOnes and George Karalftis as the starters. The other defensive tackle spot will be a rotation of guys including Khalen Saunders and Danny Shelton.
The Chiefs have to get down to a 53 man roster before the season begins. Right now the team sits at 80. This is going to be the final chance for many players to show off their skill set to the Chiefs or at least put up quality tape for one of the other 31 NFL teams. The Chiefs will have next week off and the Chiefs will begin the year off on Sept. 11 in Arizona taking on the Cardinals.
