Aug 28, 2014; Green Bay, WI; Chiefs wide receiver Fred Williams (83) during the preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Familiar faces were among the players signed Sunday to the Chiefs’ 10-man practice squad.
Various sources confirmed with ChiefsSpin.com early Sunday afternoon the Chiefs signed guard Ricky Henry, wide receivers Fred Williams and Darryl Surgent, and defensive end Kona Schwenke.
Meanwhile, fullback Jordan Campbell posted an Instagram photo of himself signing his practice squad contract.
Henry, Surgent, Williams, Schwenke and Campbell, all of whom were waived Saturday as the Chiefs trimmed the roster to set the initial 53-man roster, spent organized team activities (OTAs), mandatory minicamp and training camp with the Chiefs.
The 6-4, 310-pound Henry emerged late in training camp and rotated at left guard with Jeff Linkenbach to take first-team repetitions during the third preseason game. The third-year pro out of Nebraska spent the 2013 season on Chiefs’ injured reserve with an arm injury. He provides depth and could eventually make it to the 53-man roster.
The 6-0, 190-pound Williams, who played collegiately at St. Cloud State, caught four passes for 51 yards during the preseason enters a second stint on the Chiefs practice squad. The Chiefs signed the former Arena Football League receiver to the practice squad in late December 2013. He spent the 2012-13 seasons with the San Jose Saberecats of the AFL.
Surgent, who measures 6-0, 195 pounds, originally joined the Chiefs in May as an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana-Lafayette. The Chiefs released him as part of the initial roster cuts from 90 players to 75.
The 6-4, 297-pound Schwenke, who joined the Chiefs in May as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame, battled a shoulder injury the latter part of training camp. He provides depth as needed.
Campbell, who measures 5-11, 240 pounds, transitioned from linebacker to fullback with the Chiefs. The 26-year-old fullback played collegiately at New Mexico-Highlands after transferring from Southern California.
Linebacker Jerry Franklin also signed with the Chiefs practice squad, Franklin’s agent, Rick Smith, announced early Sunday afternoon on Twitter.
Franklin entered the league in 2012 as an undrafted free agent out of Arkansas with the Denver Broncos. He spent time as a practice squad member of the Carolina Panthers and Dallas Cowboys before joining the Chicago Bears in December 2012.
The 6-2, 242-pound Franklin appeared in 13 career games with the Bears where he recorded eight tackles (six assists). Chicago released Franklin Saturday leading to his signing with the Chiefs.
The Chiefs confirmed the Henry, Williams, Surgent, Campbell and Schwenke signings Sunday evening, while announcing linebacker Nico Johnson, center Ben Gottschalk and running back Charcandrick West were signed to the practice squad.
Johnson, the team’s fourth-round pick of the 2013 NFL Draft, and West were waived Saturday. The Chiefs waived Gottschalk Wednesday after signing offensive lineman Mike McGlynn. Johnson, Gottschalk and West spent OTAs, minicamp and training camp with the Chiefs.
West joined the Chiefs in May as an undrafted free agent out of Abilene Christian, while Gottschalk signed in May as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Methodist.
Pending official notification of Franklin, the Chiefs have one spot available on the practice squad.
NOTES: The players waived Saturday cleared waivers, according to Sunday’s NFL Transactions report … Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, who was waived/injured with a high ankle sprain, was moved to the Chiefs’ injured reserve list.
