Aug. 1, 2014; St. Joseph, MO; Chiefs OT Ryan McKee (66) during position drills at training camp. Photo used with permission from Chiefs PR. Credit: KCChiefs.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs met the league’s 75-player roster maximum Tuesday morning by waiving three players.
The Chiefs waived offensive tackle Ryan McKee, cornerback Kevin Rutland and cornerback Damond Smith.
McKee signed with the Chiefs after a successful tryout during May’s rookie minicamp. The 6-6, 308-pound McKee emerged in training camp, sometimes rotating with the second-team unit at left or right tackle.
A knee sprain, however, suffered in the second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers caused him to miss practices and the third preseason game prior to Tuesday move.
The Chiefs signed Rutland, a former Missouri Tiger, to a reserve/future deal in January. He spent the 2011 and 2012 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Smith, who has been dealing with an abductor strain, signed with the Chiefs on July 27.
The Chiefs on Monday waived wide receiver Deon Anthony, defensive lineman Jarius Campbell, defensive lineman Jermelle Cudjo, wide receiver Weston Dressler, offensive lineman Otis Hudson, wide receiver Jerrell Jackson, cornerback Brandon Jones, cornerback Vernon Kearney, safety Jerron McMillian, tight end Adam Schiltz and wide receiver Darryl Surgent.
The Chiefs also placed defensive back Sanders Commings (ankle) injured reserve.
The final roster cuts from 75 players to 53 must be accomplished by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30.
Practice squad rosters can be established starting at noon on Sunday, Aug. 31.
UPDATE, 5:42 p.m., Aug. 26: The Chiefs waived McKee and Smith with the “injured” designation, according to Tuesday evening’s NFL Transaction report. If McKee and Smith clear waivers, they’ll be placed on injured reserve barring an injury settlement with the Chiefs.
