Chiefs Babb: Chiefs trim some veterans from roster

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-05-2009, 09:59 PM

Chiefs trim some veterans from roster
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

The overhaul of the Chiefs’ defense has had its share of casualties, but Saturday’s roster cuts took another step toward reshaping the team.

Fourth-year safety Bernard Pollard and veteran linebacker Zach Thomas were the headliners of Saturday’s mandatory roster purge, as the Chiefs released 13 players and placed offensive lineman Colin Brown, a former Missouri player, on injured reserve.

The Chiefs also waived wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who was signed during training camp and was considered a potential speed threat for an offense that was stagnant through four preseason games, all losses.

The moves came a day after the Chiefs purged their corps of offensive linemen, letting go of veteran tackles Damion McIntosh and Herb Taylor. They released two other linemen Friday and another, guard Darryl Harris, on Saturday. With Brown’s move to injured reserve, one of the team’s weakest position groups is now down to eight players — the expected starters plus three reserves.

Coach Todd Haley has said the Chiefs would scour the waiver wire throughout the preseason, hoping to add talented players to a roster that became noticeably devoid of them. The offense scored two touchdowns in four games, and the quarterbacks frequently had to scramble to avoid constant pressure.

Haley wasn’t available to reporters Saturday.

The Chiefs kept their four quarterbacks, and they’ll move forward with plenty of passers but few reliable blockers to keep those quarterbacks healthy. Matt Cassel has a leg injury that kept him out of Thursday’s preseason finale at St. Louis, and the team hasn’t said whether he’ll be healthy in time for the regular-season opener next Sunday at Baltimore.

Health seemed to stand between Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker, and a 14th NFL season. He suffered an undisclosed injury early in training camp and missed all but five practice days. Thomas was expected to provide a veteran presence the team missed last year when it began a youth movement that has reshaped the roster but hasn’t led to many wins. During this year’s offseason practices, Thomas was seen as a mentor to young and veteran defenders, and linebacker Derrick Johnson said last month that Thomas’ leadership was valuable enough to warrant the veteran a roster spot, even if he couldn’t play.

“Everybody looks to Zach on everything,” Johnson said during training camp. “Zach is very much needed on this team.”

Age and health might have hurt Thomas’ chances, but those reasons didn’t apply to Pollard’s release. Pollard, a 24-year-old strong safety, was often the target of criticism for poor tackling and lackluster fundamentals, and the Chiefs signed veteran Mike Brown to push Pollard to improve on his weaknesses.

“Mike is a great player,” Pollard said after the Chiefs’ first preseason game. “Obviously, he’s played for nine years and been to the Pro Bowl. He’s a great guy and a great player.

“We’re going to compete against each other for the rest of the year. It’s not just going to be a one-time competition. We’re going to compete all the time and we’re going to try to bring the best out of each other.”

Pollard appeared to respond, spending almost all his time with the first-team defense during training camp and the preseason. Still, the Chiefs were reportedly trying this week to trade him.

Pollard’s release was an additional step by the Chiefs’ leadership to distance the team from the past. Pollard was a second-round pick in 2006, and he started 31 games in three seasons. With Pollard’s release, the Chiefs will begin the 2009 season with just 14 of the 26 draft picks taken during former coach Herm Edwards’ three years. Running back Kolby Smith, a fifth-round pick in 2007, was placed on injured reserve Friday.

If the released players clear waivers, they could be added to the Chiefs’ practice squad.

Quarterbacks (4): Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle, Matt Gutierrez, Tyler Thigpen

Running back (5): Jackie Battle, Jamaal Charles, Mike Cox, Larry Johnson, Dantrell Savage

Wide receiver (5): Dwayne Bowe, Mark Bradley, Terrance Copper, Bobby Engram, Quinten Lawrence

Offensive line (8): Branden Albert, Andy Alleman, Mike Goff, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Rudy Niswanger, Barry Richardson, Wade Smith, Brian Waters

Tight end (3): Brad Cottam, Jake O’Connell, Sean Ryan

Defensive line (6): Glenn Dorsey, Ron Edwards, Wallace Gilberry, Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee, Tank Tyler,

Linebacker (10): Monty Beisel, Jovan Belcher, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Turk McBride, Corey Mays, Andy Studebaker, Mike Vrabel, Pierre Walters, Demorrio Williams

Defensive back (9): Mike Brown, Brandon Carr, Ricardo Colclough, Brandon Flowers, Maurice Leggett, Jon McGraw, DaJuan Morgan, Jarrad Page, Donald Washington

Specialists (3): Dustin Colquitt, Thomas Gafford, Ryan Succop

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-05-2009, 10:05 PM

Dear God we're ****ed.

ILChief · 09-05-2009, 11:08 PM

I dont get keeping Copper over Lelie

FloridaMan88 · 09-05-2009, 11:09 PM

Is Clark waiting until the Arrowhead renovations are 100% complete for the Chiefs to become an actual NFL team again? This final roster looks like a replacement players roster

beach tribe · 09-05-2009, 11:10 PM

I thought Harris was going to be a stud LOL.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-05-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILChief

I dont get keeping Copper over Lelie

I'd just like to bring up a practical point for a moment if I may:

Your avy? I feel your pain, really I do, but the dream is dead.

Thig Lyfe · 09-05-2009, 11:26 PM

I hope Zach Thomas joins the team as QB coach!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Arrowhead · 09-05-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILChief

I dont get keeping Copper over Lelie

Special Team, most likely

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-05-2009, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

I thought Harris was going to be a stud LOL.

You and me both, Brother.

I think he will.

I just hope it's not for another team.

**DaneMcCloud** · 09-05-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SportsRacer

I hope Zach Thomas joins the team as QB coach!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are you kidding me???

Offensive Coordinator FTW!!!

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-05-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Are you kidding me???

Offensive Coordinator FTW!!!

It HURTS! MAKE IT STOP!

MMXcalibur · 09-05-2009, 11:40 PM

I imagine Gutierrez or Thigpen are the first to go when we go waiver-wire shopping.

lostcause · 09-05-2009, 11:44 PM

After reading our 53-man in actual print, I just want to cry.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-05-2009, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lostcause

After reading our 53-man in actual print, I just want to cry.

I'm SAYIN'!

It doesn't really sink-in until it's staring you right in the face. And if Cassel goes out again, just fire up the circus music through the Arrowhead sound system and start drinking heavily.

MadMax · 09-06-2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raised On Riots

I'm SAYIN'!

It doesn't really sink-in until it's staring you right in the face. And if Cassel goes out again, just fire up the circus music through the Arrowhead sound system and start drinking heavily.

Son-Of-A-Bitch!!!! I may not survive the season.

09-05-2009, 09:59 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $852813	Babb: Chiefs trim some veterans from roster Chiefs trim some veterans from roster By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star The overhaul of the Chiefs’ defense has had its share of casualties, but Saturday’s roster cuts took another step toward reshaping the team. Fourth-year safety Bernard Pollard and veteran linebacker Zach Thomas were the headliners of Saturday’s mandatory roster purge, as the Chiefs released 13 players and placed offensive lineman Colin Brown, a former Missouri player, on injured reserve. The Chiefs also waived wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who was signed during training camp and was considered a potential speed threat for an offense that was stagnant through four preseason games, all losses. The moves came a day after the Chiefs purged their corps of offensive linemen, letting go of veteran tackles Damion McIntosh and Herb Taylor. They released two other linemen Friday and another, guard Darryl Harris, on Saturday. With Brown’s move to injured reserve, one of the team’s weakest position groups is now down to eight players — the expected starters plus three reserves. Coach Todd Haley has said the Chiefs would scour the waiver wire throughout the preseason, hoping to add talented players to a roster that became noticeably devoid of them. The offense scored two touchdowns in four games, and the quarterbacks frequently had to scramble to avoid constant pressure. Haley wasn’t available to reporters Saturday. The Chiefs kept their four quarterbacks, and they’ll move forward with plenty of passers but few reliable blockers to keep those quarterbacks healthy. Matt Cassel has a leg injury that kept him out of Thursday’s preseason finale at St. Louis, and the team hasn’t said whether he’ll be healthy in time for the regular-season opener next Sunday at Baltimore. Health seemed to stand between Thomas, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker, and a 14th NFL season. He suffered an undisclosed injury early in training camp and missed all but five practice days. Thomas was expected to provide a veteran presence the team missed last year when it began a youth movement that has reshaped the roster but hasn’t led to many wins. During this year’s offseason practices, Thomas was seen as a mentor to young and veteran defenders, and linebacker Derrick Johnson said last month that Thomas’ leadership was valuable enough to warrant the veteran a roster spot, even if he couldn’t play. “Everybody looks to Zach on everything,” Johnson said during training camp. “Zach is very much needed on this team.” Age and health might have hurt Thomas’ chances, but those reasons didn’t apply to Pollard’s release. Pollard, a 24-year-old strong safety, was often the target of criticism for poor tackling and lackluster fundamentals, and the Chiefs signed veteran Mike Brown to push Pollard to improve on his weaknesses. “Mike is a great player,” Pollard said after the Chiefs’ first preseason game. “Obviously, he’s played for nine years and been to the Pro Bowl. He’s a great guy and a great player. “We’re going to compete against each other for the rest of the year. It’s not just going to be a one-time competition. We’re going to compete all the time and we’re going to try to bring the best out of each other.” Pollard appeared to respond, spending almost all his time with the first-team defense during training camp and the preseason. Still, the Chiefs were reportedly trying this week to trade him. Pollard’s release was an additional step by the Chiefs’ leadership to distance the team from the past. Pollard was a second-round pick in 2006, and he started 31 games in three seasons. With Pollard’s release, the Chiefs will begin the 2009 season with just 14 of the 26 draft picks taken during former coach Herm Edwards’ three years. Running back Kolby Smith, a fifth-round pick in 2007, was placed on injured reserve Friday. If the released players clear waivers, they could be added to the Chiefs’ practice squad. Quarterbacks (4): Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle, Matt Gutierrez, Tyler Thigpen Running back (5): Jackie Battle, Jamaal Charles, Mike Cox, Larry Johnson, Dantrell Savage Wide receiver (5): Dwayne Bowe, Mark Bradley, Terrance Copper, Bobby Engram, Quinten Lawrence Offensive line (8): Branden Albert, Andy Alleman, Mike Goff, Ikechuku Ndukwe, Rudy Niswanger, Barry Richardson, Wade Smith, Brian Waters Tight end (3): Brad Cottam, Jake O’Connell, Sean Ryan Defensive line (6): Glenn Dorsey, Ron Edwards, Wallace Gilberry, Tyson Jackson, Alex Magee, Tank Tyler, Linebacker (10): Monty Beisel, Jovan Belcher, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Turk McBride, Corey Mays, Andy Studebaker, Mike Vrabel, Pierre Walters, Demorrio Williams Defensive back (9): Mike Brown, Brandon Carr, Ricardo Colclough, Brandon Flowers, Maurice Leggett, Jon McGraw, DaJuan Morgan, Jarrad Page, Donald Washington Specialists (3): Dustin Colquitt, Thomas Gafford, Ryan Succop
Posts: 42,103

09-05-2009, 10:05 PM	#2
Sweet Daddy Hate Unsparing Join Date: Aug 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Dear God we're **ed. __________________ 1. Merciless, severe. 2. Given freely and generously. 100% refusal to overrate 20 year Head Coaches with ZERO ing rings as a Head Coach. CP's Official Professor of 'Dem Blues for 2019/2020!**
Posts: 77,135

09-05-2009, 11:08 PM	#3
ILChief MVP Join Date: Jan 2001 Casino cash: $7914831	I dont get keeping Copper over Lelie
Posts: 11,476

09-05-2009, 11:09 PM	#4
FloridaMan88 Mahomes: We Are All Witnesses Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Miami, FL Casino cash: $3102906	Is Clark waiting until the Arrowhead renovations are 100% complete for the Chiefs to become an actual NFL team again? This final roster looks like a replacement players roster
Posts: 38,339

09-05-2009, 11:10 PM	#5
beach tribe Keep doubting J MFing Houston Join Date: May 2007 Location: ft.lauderdale Casino cash: $4798036	I thought Harris was going to be a stud LOL.
Posts: 21,429

09-05-2009, 11:26 PM	#7
Thig Lyfe Banned Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Thigpen's America Casino cash: $10004900	I hope Zach Thomas joins the team as QB coach!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posts: 25,680

09-05-2009, 11:40 PM	#12
MMXcalibur Pessimistically optimistic. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Denver, CO Casino cash: $2385086	I imagine Gutierrez or Thigpen are the first to go when we go waiver-wire shopping.
Posts: 16,423

09-05-2009, 11:44 PM	#13
lostcause Veteran Join Date: Apr 2009 Casino cash: $9609965	After reading our 53-man in actual print, I just want to cry.
Posts: 4,759