KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs made two roster moves before Thursday’s practice, waiving wide receiver Montrell Washington and defensive tackle Keondre Coburn.
The moves free up space on the 53-player for the acquisition of wide receiver Mecole Hardman and the return of defensive end Charles Omenihu. The club re-acquired Hardman Wednesday via a trade with the New York Jets while Omenihu is returning from a six-game suspension opening the season. The club currently has a roster exemption for Omenihu until 3 p.m. central time Saturday.
If Washington and Coburn clear waivers, they are eligible to re-sign with the club’s practice squad. The Chiefs currently have one open spot available on the practice squad. Other teams can claim either player by 3 p.m. central time Friday. If they go unclaimed by another club, the players immediately become free agents and can sign with any team’s active roster or practice squad.
Special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Dave Toub said the Chiefs hope Washington can return on the practice squad. It’s possible if Washington returns to the club he could still play Sunday when the team hosts the Los Angeles Chargers.
“If we can get Montrell, we’re going to try to get him back on to the practice squad,” Toub said. We’re going to try to. Having him there, that would be important because if a guy can’t go, then you can you can elevate him back up and I was happy with the way he was progressing. Obviously we need this. We needed Mecole obviously for offense too. He’s a puzzle piece that we needed at this time.”
Washington initially signed with Kansas City’s practice squad Aug. 31 after he was waived by Denver at the end of training camp. He was later elevated to the active roster following the injury to Richie James. He played 34 snaps on special teams during the past four games. As the team’s return specialist, Washington averaged 7.6 yards on eight punt returns and also returned a kickoff for 20 yards.
Coburn was a sixth-round selection out of Texas for the Chiefs in this year’s draft. Coburn played nine snaps in the season opener against Detroit with one tackle but has not played in the last five games. Coburn has draw comparisons to former Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders not only for his position and size but for his effervescent personality and potential upside.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo also said Coburn is a player the team hopes clears waivers and can return on the practice squad.
“We sure do,” Spagnuolo said. “Yeah. “I love KC. He was great. I gave him a big hug this morning and I’ll be saying prayers later on that we’ll be able to keep him. He’s a good kid.”
