KC Chiefs Shuffle Roster Ahead of Week 15 Game vs. Patriots
The Kansas City Chiefs need all the help they can get to finish the season strong, starting with a strong performance in Week 15 against the New England Patriots. Before trying to take down Bill Belichick's squad on the road, Kansas City is making some slight tweaks along the fringes of its roster picture.
Per a Saturday morning announcement from the team, the Chiefs have ruled wide receiver Justyn Ross out. Additionally, linebacker Darius Harris is being waived and safety Deon Bush is signed to the active roster from the practice squad. For possible availability on game day, defensive tackle Mike Pennel and running back Deneric Prince are being activated from the practice squad via Standard Elevation:
We have ruled WR Justyn Ross OUT for tomorrow's game.
We have signed Practice Squad player S Deon Bush to an active roster contract.
We activated Practice Squad players NT Mike Pennel and RB Deneric Prince via Standard Elevation.
We have waived LB Darius Harris.
Ross being downgraded from doubtful to out is no surprise, as head coach Andy Reid said on Friday afternoon that the second-year man would miss this week's game. While Ross is finished serving his league-mandated suspension and is off the Commissioner's Exempt List, Kansas City has a roster exemption for him. That remains applicable for Week 15, with Reid hinting at a potential move being made entering next week's game.
Teams are only allowed to elevate a particular practice squad player three times throughout the regular season, so Bush joining the fold on a more solidified basis makes sense. The veteran is a trusted special teams piece for Dave Toub and the Chiefs need safety depth with Bryan Cook being on injured reserve. Cook will be out for at least three more games, including Week 15's matchup.
Pennel signed to the Chiefs' practice squad in late October, which was a feel-good story of a reunion between the club and its former Super Bowl contributor. The 32-year-old hasn't played in a game this season and now has the door left open for his 2023 debut to take place in Week 15. With halfback Isiah Pacheco missing this week's game due to a shoulder injury, Prince is coming back up from the practice squad. The rookie undrafted free agent played five special teams snaps in Week 14's loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Chiefs signed Harris back to the roster a week after the Pennel move was made. Dating back to Week 9, the 27-year-old played in five games and logged 71 special teams snaps in his second wind with the team. He'll now be subject to the waiver wire and could potentially end up back in Kansas City should no other team claim him and the Chiefs remain interested in a reunion.
