What releasing DeAndre Washington means for KC Chiefs
The KC Chiefs have released DeAndre Washington, further clearing things up at the running back position.
A lot has changed at running back for the Kansas City Chiefs in the last few weeks.
Initially, Damien Williams was going to be the starter with rookie first round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire serving as the backup, but likely taking over the reins at some point during the season. With Williams opting out, Edwards-Helaire was propelled into the starting role and that left the backup position wide open.
It mostly came between three options: DeAndre Washington, Darrel Williams, and Darwin Thompson. Williams and Thompson spent last season with the Chiefs with Williams showing some flashes of potential before landing on injured reserve while Thompson didn’t necessarily live up to the hype he had when KC took him in the sixth round last year.
Washington was signed this offseason and felt like he could be the eventual backup behind Edwards-Helaire, but that won’t be the case, as Washington was released by the Chiefs on Saturday.
What happens at the backup running back spot for the KC Chiefs now that DeAndre Washington is out of the picture?
As Field Yates mentioned in the tweet above, it’ll be between Williams and Thompson for who gets the RB2 reps. It’s possible that the Chiefs rotate using them as the second and third backs, as neither has really been out of this world during their time in the pros.
Still, both players possess enough talent for the Chiefs to merit keeping them over the more experienced Washington, who spent four years in Oakland before signing with the Chiefs. Thompson deserves another season to show what he can do, as his opportunities were limited as a rookie, but he has potential for sure.
Williams is someone the team has kept around since he went undrafted two years ago and he had his fair share of impressive moments last season before getting injured. Hopefully he can stay healthy this year and contribute for the offense.
While releasing DeAndre Washington is a surprising move, the Kansas City Chiefs look to have a plan as far as who will back up Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Here’s to hoping Darwin Thompson and Darrel Williams both step up and become big time playmakers this season.
Are you surprised by Washington getting released or did you expect this to happen?