Getty Wide receiver Chad Williams was originally drafted 98th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017.
With their eyes set on Sunday’s AFC Divisional game, the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday continued tinkering with their practice squad roster and stashing talent for the 2021 offseason.
According to the NFL’s official transaction wire for January 14, the defending Super Bowl champions released rookie OL Darryl Williams from the practice squad to clear a spot for DE Austin Edwards, whose signing was first reported on Wednesday.
Williams, 23, did not see any regular season action in his first year, but according to Chiefs Digest beat writer Matt Derrick, the Mississippi State product will soon return to Kansas City on a reserve/future deal, at the very least.
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Chiefs Bring Back Chad Williams, Confirm Ta’amu & Callaway Signings
Speaking of futures contracts, the Chiefs also finalized a pair of reported reserve signings in WR Antonio Callaway and QB Jordan Ta’amu, per Thursday’s transaction wire. In addition, a third offensive player, WR Chad Williams, has also been brought back for next season.
Williams, 26, spent multiple stints on the Chiefs practice squad in 2020, and was most recently released on December 22 after just four days with the team. The 6-foot-2, 204-pounder was originally drafted in the third round (No. 98 overall) by the Arizona Cardinals. In 17 career games, including one for the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, Williams has posted 20 receptions for 202 yards and one touchdown.
Despite the timing heading into the team’s first playoff game this weekend, reserve/future deals don’t take effect until the beginning of the new league year on March 17, about one month prior to the start of offseason workouts.
Here are the players Kansas City has signed to reserve/future deals to date:
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Sammy Watkins’ Status Uncertain
On the field, a number of other Chiefs continue to work their way back from injury. The most notable of the group, which included 11 players listed on Thursday’s injury report, are starting RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (ankle/hip) and WR Sammy Watkins (calf).
While both were absent from practice, CEH was one of two players to take a step backward on Thursday after getting in a limited session the day before. Of course, this could be a load management tactic by head coach Andy Reid and staff, but neither player appears to be in strong position to suit up against the Browns.
Rashad Fenton was limited today after not practicing yesterday.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Deon Yelder did not practice today after being limited yesterday.
Willie Gay and Sammy Watkins did not practice.
All-Pro teammate Le’Veon Bell (knee), who continues to practice in full, stands next in line to start in place of the ailing Edwards-Helaire should the first-rounder be held back for another week. One positive to note this week though was Reid suggesting Edwards-Helaire remains “a little ahead” of schedule in his rehab of the ugly injury sustained back in Week 15.
#Chiefs RBs coach Deland McCullough told us a few weeks back that Clyde Edwards-Helaire (high ankle) was ahead of schedule, and that remains the case. Andy Reid said CEH has been ‘fearless’ with rehab.
We’ll get the first official injury report later Wednesday afternoon.
“I’ll tell you, this kid, he just kind of went right at it,” Reid told reporters during his Tuesday press conference. “I mean, he was fearless with it and as a result, I’d tell you he’s probably a little ahead and we’ve just got to evaluate it. We’re not going to do anything to jeopardize him or his career, I mean, that’s not what we’re doing. We’ve taken it day by day with him and we’ll keep doing that and just see how he does here.”
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Chris Licata is an NFL contributor covering the Kansas City Chiefs from enemy territory in Denver, Colorado. Follow him on Twitter @Chris__Licata or join the Heavy on Chiefs Facebook community for the latest out of Chiefs Kingdom!
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Chiefs Release Rookie OL, Sign Ex-Cardinals WR to Future Contract