KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) – The Kansas City Chiefs have released third-round pick KeiVarae Russell and brought back linebacker Dezman Moses on Wednesday in a surprise move just one week into the regular season.
Russell, a cornerback, had been passed over by sixth-round pick D.J. White and recent acquisition Kenneth Acker on the depth chart. Russell was the Chiefs’ second player chose in the draft.
“Listen, we felt that was best for the Chiefs right now,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “He’s a good young man and I think he has a good future, but for right now, that’s what we needed.”
The move helps to shore up special teams while providing depth at linebacker, a position group that struggled often in a 33-27 overtime victory over San Diego.
The Chiefs are already without pass rusher Justin Houston because of ACL surgery and have to limit Tamba Hali’s time to keep him healthy.
Moses was cut last week when the Chiefs needed to reach the NFL’s 53-man roster limit.
Still, it was a surprise the Chiefs gave up on Russell given how highly he was drafted. Kansas City did not have a first-round pick, so he was one of the prime selections in this year’s draft.
In other news, running back Spencer Ware sprained his toe and missed practice Wednesday, though Reid said he expects the breakout star of last week’s win to play on Sunday in Houston.\
Ware had 70 yards rushing and 129 yards receiving in place of Jamaal Charles.
Speaking of Charles, Reid said the four-time Pro Bowl running back continues to make progress from his ACL surgery last season, though he did not say whether Charles will get on the field this week.
On Thursday, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Russell to their roster, ending hope that he could return to Kansas City as a member of the practice squad.
