KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs made 35 roster moves on Saturday, trimming their roster to the NFL-mandated 53 players. Here’s a closer look at the final cuts:
Most significant move: Linebacker Tamba Hali won’t be available to the Chiefs for at least the first six games of the season as he was left on the physically unable to perform list. Hali hasn’t practiced or played this year because of aching knees. The Chiefs are set at starting outside linebacker with Justin Houston and Dee Ford, but will miss Hali’s pass-rushing ability off the bench. In reserve, the Chiefs have veteran Frank Zombo and rookie Tanoh Kpassagnon, their second-round draft pick.
Down to three at TE: The Chiefs like their multiple tight-end formations and will be able to use them as long as Travis Kelce, Demetrius Harris and Ross Travis stay healthy. But the Chiefs have no insurance for injury after releasing veteran Gavin Escobar, who had some moments in training camp and the preseason. The Chiefs kept four tight ends last season.
Down to two at RB: By placing Spencer Ware on the season-ending injured reserve and releasing veteran C.J. Spiller, the Chiefs are down to only two backs and one of them, Kareem Hunt, is a rookie. The Chiefs can get by with just Hunt and Charcandrick West if neither player misses time with an injury. But they’ll wish they had kept Spiller if Hunt or West goes out with an injury.
Chiefs moves:
Released (30): DL Ricky Ali'fua, CB De’Vante Bausby, TE Orson Charles, OL Joseph Cheek, WR Gehrig Dieter, TE Gavin Escobar, K Sam Ficken, CB Jacoby Glenn, CB Trevon Hartfield, T Donald Hawkins, T Josh James, WR Seantavius Jones, WR Tevin Jones, WR Marcus Kemp, G Damien Mama, LB Justin March-Lillard, DB Leon McQuay, LB Earl Okine, OL Mike Person, OL Devine Redding, LB Marcus Rush, CB Larry Scott, RB C.J. Spiller, QB Joel Stave, WR Tony Stevens, DL Marcus Swain, S Steven Terrell, DL Cam Thomas, G Andrew Tiller, WR Robert Wheelwright.
Traded to Seattle (1): T Isaiah Battle.
PUP (2): LB Tamba Hali, LB Dadi Nicolas.
Injured reserve (2): CB Ashton Lampkin, RB Spencer Ware.