As the Kansas City Chiefs navigate the early weeks of the NFL season with a strong 4-0 record, the reality of roster management looms large. October not only brings the potential for thrilling matchups but also the inevitability of roster changes as teams look to optimize their lineups. With injuries and performance fluctuations affecting player availability, some Chiefs could be at risk of being cut this month.
1. **Samaje Perine, Running Back
The addition of Samaje Perine after his release from the Denver Broncos seemed like a savvy move, considering the Chiefs’ uncertainties at running back. However, with Isiah Pacheco recovering from a fractured right fibula and Clyde Edwards-Helaire slated to return soon, the Chiefs may find themselves overloaded at the position. Perine has seen limited snaps and touches compared to Kareem Hunt and rookie Carson Steele, both of whom have shown promise. With Pacheco’s eventual return, Perine might not fit into the Chiefs’ plans, making him a strong candidate for an October cut.
2. **Josh Gordon, Wide Receiver**
Despite his past accolades, Josh Gordon has struggled to reclaim a significant role on the Chiefs’ offense. The team’s passing attack has been bolstered by younger receivers like Rashee Rice, who is now facing an uncertain future due to injury. The Chiefs might look to bring in new talent at the receiver position, and Gordon’s lack of production could make him expendable. If the team decides to explore free-agent options or call up players from the practice squad, Gordon could be on the chopping block.
3. **Derrick Gore, Running Back**
Derrick Gore has been a reliable depth option for the Chiefs but may find himself squeezed out as the roster evolves. With Pacheco and Edwards-Helaire returning to full health, and the emergence of Steele and Hunt, Gore’s role could diminish significantly. If the Chiefs want to clear space for another position or bring in a free agent, Gore’s status as a depth piece makes him vulnerable to being cut.
### 4. **Ronald Jones, Running Back**
Ronald Jones has struggled to make an impact since joining the Chiefs, and his place on the roster is increasingly in jeopardy. With several running backs ahead of him, including Hunt and the potential return of Edwards-Helaire, Jones may not provide enough value to warrant a spot on the active roster. If the Chiefs decide to prioritize more versatile or productive players, Jones could find himself as a casualty of the roster shuffle.
5. **Jody Fortson, Tight End**
Jody Fortson has been a project for the Chiefs but hasn’t been able to carve out a consistent role. The emergence of Noah Gray as a reliable target and the enduring presence of Travis Kelce makes Fortson less essential. If the Chiefs look to strengthen other areas of their roster, particularly with a focus on bolstering the receiving corps after Rice’s injury, Fortson could be seen as a redundant piece and might be let go.
6. **Blake Bell, Tight End**
Another tight end who could face scrutiny is Blake Bell. While Bell provides valuable blocking and depth, the Chiefs may prefer to keep younger, more versatile options on the roster. If they want to allocate a roster spot to a more dynamic receiver or running back, Bell’s experience may not outweigh the need for fresh talent, especially with Kelce and Gray occupying primary roles.
As the Chiefs look to maintain their early-season success, the pressure to make tough roster decisions will be ever-present. With injuries and performance levels impacting player availability, these six players could face the brunt of the roster reshuffling as the Chiefs aim to remain competitive in the AFC. Keeping an eye on these names will be crucial as the month unfolds, with potential cuts that could shift the team’s dynamic heading into the latter half of the season.
