Most significant move: Wide receiver Fred Williams was impressive in training camp and led the Chiefs in the preseason in catches (15), receiving yards (167) and touchdowns (3). That wasn’t enough to earn Williams a roster spot. He was released as the Chiefs opted instead for another young receiver, Frankie Hammond Jr. The Chiefs prefer Hammond’s ability on special teams, including as a return specialist. The Chiefs kept six wide receivers but a seventh looked like a possibility because Albert Wilson, De'Anthony Thomas and Jason Avant ended the preseason with injuries. The Chiefs obviously believe some or all of those players will be ready for the Sept. 13 regular season opener against the Houston Texans.
Dontari Poe on active roster: Coach Andy Reid recently held out the possibility that nose tackle Dontari Poe, who had surgery in July to remove a herniated disk from his back, might be ready to play when the regular season begins. That may still be an optimistic view, given that Poe has yet to practice or play since the surgery. But the possibility remains alive because the Chiefs kept Poe as one of six defensive linemen.
What’s next: The Chiefs are heavy at both linebacker and defensive back. They kept 10 players at both position groups. That’s not surprising in that they have the most depth at those positions. But the Chiefs are thin at offensive line, where they kept only eight players, and tight end, where they have three, including Demetrius Harris. He only recently returned to practice after breaking his foot. So the Chiefs may need to rebalance their roster.
Chiefs moves: Suspended: CB Sean Smith. Released: WR Da'Ron Brown, DE Mike Catapano, S Sanders Commings, LB Ja'Gared Davis, DL Hebron Fangupo, OL Garrett Frye, DL David Irving, LB James-Michael Johnson, C Eric Kush, WR Donatella Luckett, OL Daniel Munyer, CB Deji Olatoye, OL Jarrod Pughsley, RB Darrin Reaves, OT Derek Sherrod, CB Kevin Short, TE Ryan Taylor, RB Spencer Ware, WR Fred Williams. Injured reserve: TE Richard Gordon. Traded to Seattle: S Kelcie McCray.