Chiefs activated 1 key defensive starter Saturday. Another remains sidelined vs. 49ers
It’s official now: Chiefs linebacker Willie Gay Jr. will play Sunday.
The Chiefs on Saturday made an expected procedural move of activating Gay to their 53-player roster ahead of their Week 7 game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium.
The transaction comes after Gay returned to practice earlier in the week at the conclusion of his four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid on Friday hinted the move would happen before the team flew to California.
“Pretty good chance,” Reid said.
The third-year pro is expected to return to his starting weakside linebacker spot alongside middle linebacker Nick Bolton and rookie strongside linebacker Leo Chenal, with Darius Harris and rookie Jack Cochrane in reserve.
Gay’s speedy presence will help against San Francisco’s newest player, running back Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers on Thursday night traded for the versatile McCaffrey, and the Chiefs anticipate the former All-Pro running back will play.
“I’m sure they’ll work him in; we’re expecting that,” Reid said. “You just prepare for what he does well, and (49ers coach) Kyle (Shanahan) will use him (with) what he does well, I’m sure.”
While Gay returns to the playing field this weekend, the Chiefs appear content to wait until after the Week 8 bye to activate rookie cornerback Trent McDuffie from injured reserve.
McDuffie, who hurt a hamstring in Week 1 at Arizona, returned to practice on Oct. 12, which officially opened a 21-day evaluation window in which the Chiefs must decide whether to bring him back.
McDuffie has continued to practice over the past two weeks, but the Chiefs apparently don’t believe his hamstring is ready for live action.
With McDuffie and Rashad Fenton (hamstring) not playing Sunday, the Chiefs will continue to rely on cornerbacks L’Jarius Snead, a veteran, and rookies Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams.
In other roster-related news, the Chiefs used a standard practice squad elevation for cornerback Dicaprio Bootle and wide receiver Marcus Kemp. Both players will provide depth for their respective position groups and contribute on special teams.
This story was originally published October 22, 2022 at 2:16 PM.
