Trent McDuffie goes on IR as Kansas City Chiefs make roster moves. What it means
The Kansas City Chiefs will be without one of their 2022 first-round draft picks for at least four weeks.
The Chiefs on Tuesday placed rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie on injured reserve, meaning he will miss Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers and the next three game at a minimum.
McDuffie suffered a hamstring injury in the second half of Sunday’s 44-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals. He was helped to the sideline, where he spent a brief moment on the trainer’s table for evaluation before being carted to the locker room.
Losing McDuffie at this early stage of the regular season represents a setback because the Chiefs were counting on the first-year player to help solidify the pass defense. He opened the season as a starter alongside L’Jarius Sneed and Rashad Fenton.
The Chiefs, though, have depth at the cornerback position and are expected to turn to rookie Jaylen Watson to contribute in McDuffie’s spot. Watson entered Sunday’s game in relief of McDuffie and played 33 defensive snaps.
Rookie Joshua Williams and Chris Lammons are also available at the cornerback position if needed.
With McDuffie moving to injured reserve, the Chiefs, who entered the week with 52 players on the active roster, rounded out the 53-player roster by activating linebackers Elijah Lee and Jack Cochrane from the practice squad.
In other roster-related news, the Chiefs officially signed kicker Matt Ammendola, cornerback Dicaprio Bootle and wide receiver Corey Coleman to the practice squad, and waived safety James Wiggins from the practice squad.
Ammendola, who was observed Tuesday on the practice field, provides insurance if Harrison Butker (ankle) can’t play Thursday night.
Bootle, who spent time on the Chiefs’ practice squad in 2021, and Coleman were with the Chiefs during this past offseason.
This story was originally published September 13, 2022 at 3:39 PM.
