Chiefs Have Roster Decisions to Make

With the additions of Mecole Hardman, and the return of Charles Omenihu, the Kansas City Chiefs need to make room on their 53-man roster to add both playmakers. Further, it does appear Frank Clark will return to the Chiefs pending a physical. So, who are the odd men out?

The fact the Kansas City Chiefs must make roster decisions at this point of the season is a good thing. Especially, when you consider the return of Mecole Hardman, Charles Omenihu, and quite likely Frank Clark, didn’t materialize because of major injuries.

Hardman, who signed a one-year $5M deal with the New York Jets, comes back to Kansas City, not because Justin Watson has an elbow contusion and could miss a few games, instead he adds depth to the offense and a veteran presence for the younger guys.

Omenihu who served a six-game suspension for an off-the-field incident in January, appears from all accounts to be in great shape and hopes to play this weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers.

So, who gets cut?

In regard to the Hardman addition, Head Coach Andy Reid indicated that Justin Watson has an elbow contusion and isn’t likely headed to injured reserve. So, this isn’t a Hardman for Watson swap.  Richie James is already on injured reserve. Thus, if this is a position swap, the Chiefs could cut the return man, Montrell Washington. However, doing so would be a massive mistake. Washington has shown enough game to date, he could be the long-term answer for the return game.

That would mean adding Hardman, perhaps the Chiefs thin out another position. One candidate could be Clyde Edwards-Helaire. That would thin the running back active roster to just Isiah Pacheco and Jerrick McKinnon, but that’s more than enough.  If Hardman gets back on the field, he could also take some reps at running back.

As far as Omenihu, the likely departure would be Matt Dickerson. It’s likely he would clear waivers and be added to the Chiefs practice squad. If the Chiefs want to give up on Neil Farrell who they acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders, that’s a possibility as well. I’m told, that even though he’s yet to be game-active, they think he just needs more time learning the defense.

That leaves Frank Clark. Kansas City does have one spot available on the practice squad, so it’s likely that’s where he begins his return engagement to the Chiefs. After all, after restructuring his contract with the Denver Broncos down to $3.5 million this season, the AFC West rival is on the hook for any salaries above the league minimum whenever he’s activated to the Chiefs 53-man roster.

Still with the Broncos and Chiefs playing a week from Sunday, you know Clark wants to be on the field against his former team.

At some point on Thursday, we will have the answers to all these questions, but the Chiefs appear to be getting stronger on both sides of the ball, and that should strike fear into their opponents.

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