KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs claimed offensive lineman Ike Boettger off waivers from the Buffalo Bills Sunday, adding to a position group that included nine players on the club's initial 53-man roster for the upcoming season.
The 6-foot-6, 313-pound Boettger (pronounced "BUTT-gir) signed with the Bills as an undrafted free agent following this year's draft. He lined up at right guard for the Bills during training camp, playing 200 offensive snaps in four games. He started the team's final preseason game, playing all 77 offensive snaps.
Boettger joined the Iowa Hawkeyes as a tight end in 2013 before moving to the offensive line during his redshirt freshman season. He played primarily right tackle for Iowa. But an ankle sprain in October 2015 and a torn Achilles tendon in September 2017 ended two of his college seasons earlier.
Draft analyst Dane Brugler praised Boettger heading into the draft for his strength and athleticism but questioned his pass protection skills as a tackle.
"Boettger flashes the finishing grit desired in the run game, dropping his hips and using strong wrists/hands to latch-and-drive bodies from run lanes," Brugler wrote of Boettger.
The Chiefs must make a corresponding roster move Sunday to clear space on the roster for Boettger.
Defensive lineman T.Y. McGill, waived by the Chiefs on Saturday during their cut down to 53 players, was claimed by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cornerbacks Keith Reaser and Step Durham, who were released with injury designations, both cleared waivers. They have returned to the squad on the injured reserve list. The team can keep both players on injured reserve for the season or negotiate injury settlements.
