Team news: Kansas City Chiefs | Page 6

The Kansas City Chiefs have clarified the picture at running back after a competitive preseason in which there appeared to be multiple lead changes, so to speak, on the team's depth chart. In the end, the team decided to waive Deneric Prince rather than leave him on the active roster—at least by the league's deadline.

Related players: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, La'Mical Perine

Prince was getting headlines recently as he was running with the first team. But as of late the rumors started flying that he wasn't going to make the team and he's officially waived. Some thought Prince could cut into McKinnon's work on passing downs.

Through two preseason games, Prince hasn’t managed a memorable snap. He has generated just 34 rushing yards on 10 attempts. Prince also appears to have lost his spot as the primary kickoff returner to Richie James, the six-year veteran receiver.

“As a rookie, the volume (of plays during camp) starts to hit you a little bit and it can slow you down,” Nagy said of Prince. “We have a great room of running backs. There’s great competition, and we’re trying to give all the guys (an) opportunity in different spots.”

Related Players: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire La'Mical Perine

The article goes on to mention that La'Mical Perine has jumped over Prince on the running back depth chart, and even he is trying to make a case as the team's No. 4 option if they were to keep a fourth running back. Prince had positive buzz after handling some first-team reps earlier in the Summer, but that has faded after uninspiring reps in the preseason.

Andy Reid said Isiah Pacheco will no longer work in a yellow, non-contact jersey, a positive sign for him ahead of the Sept. 7 season opener against the Lions.

Related players: Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, La'Mical Perine, Deneric Prince

Pacheco seems like he's on track to play Week 1 and looks to have a pretty clear path as the team's RB1. McKinnon, or the often cast-off Edwards-Helaire, will likely see some work as well and primarily catch passes. Prince has faded a bit from the headlines after getting some first-team reps recently.

WR Justyn Ross left practice with a leg/hamstring injury, head coach Andy Reid told reporters.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports Ross' injury does not appear to be serious, which is great news. Ross and his time on the first team for KC has been one of the bigger stories of camp this year in terms of fantasy. But he's still trying to work his way up the KC depth chart.

RB Marlon Mack is done for the season with an Achilles injury. Brutal injury for a guy who was here a few days.

Related Players: Keaontay Ingram, Corey Clement

Mack had a legitimate shot at earning the RB2 role in Arizona with a depth chart that is severely lacking. While Ingram could see more run in the short term, don't be surprised if the team is back on the hunt for a veteran presence.

The Kansas City Chiefs expect running back Isiah Pacheco to play in their regular season opener against the Detroit Lions. Pacheco had offseason surgeries on his hand and shoulder. He has been a limited practice participant through camp and has yet to be cleared for contact.

Related Players: Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Deneric Prince

Pacheco led the Chiefs in rushing last season as a rookie. He ran for 76 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Practically everyone in this backfield is worth a flier at their current ADPs, including late-round darts on UDFA Deneric Prince who has impressed in camp during Pacheco's absence. Pacheco himself still garners RB2 upside if he is indeed ready for the regular season.

The Kansas City Chiefs expect wide receiver Kadarius Toney to play in their regular season opener against the Detroit Lions. Toney tore his meniscus at the Chiefs' opening practice of training camp and subsequently had surgery. He has yet to return to practice.

Related Players: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Richie James

The Chiefs are hopeful Toney, acquired from the New York Giants at midseason last year, can be their leading wide receiver. He played a big part in their Super Bowl LVII win over the Philadelphia Eagles, scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter and later setting up another with a 65-yard punt return. It would be nice to have some clarity on this WR room before Fantasy Draft Weekend, but it seems like we're just going to have to go with our gut and take whoever falls into the double-digit rounds. Skyy Moore currently seems like a good bet to beat his current 10.08 ADP.

Skyy Moore has been with 1s every rep at training camp when KC has had 2 WRs. Rashee Rice/Justyn Ross has occasionally mixed in with 1s but overwhelmingly been with 2s. Things can change, of course, but every indication as of now is Moore is ahead of those two.

With the Chiefs receiver room remaining a giant question mark, any good news is going to be reacted to. As of now, Moore is still a WR4/5 in 4for4's projections but with the continued bad news surrounding Kadarius Toney, and now this, he may be finding himself higher with more news like this.

According to a league source, the Chiefs are concerned that Toney could miss all of the practices at Missouri Western State, as the final day of camp is Aug. 17. The athletic training staff plans to be cautious with Toney, who has had numerous lower-body injuries throughout his three-year career. But the Chiefs are optimistic Toney will be available for the season opener Sept. 7 against the Detroit Lions.

Related Players: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Richie James

As Taylor would continue, "One of the issues for the Chiefs is that they were expecting Toney to continue building his chemistry, timing and connection with Patrick Mahomes during camp."

This clearly sets Toney back, and he may not be back until early in the season. The injury could lock in roles for rookie Rashee Rice and veteran Richie James inside this explosive offense.

Running back Isiah Pacheco, who missed all of offseason practice after having surgeries for shoulder and hand injuries, said he would "absolutely'' be at full strength on Sept. 7 when the Kansas City Chiefs begin defense of their Super Bowl championship against the Detroit Lions.

Related Players: Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Deneric Prince

The current favorite to lead the Chiefs backfield in touches, Pacheco started gaining some consistency by the end of last season and delivered as an RB2 in fantasy down the final stretch of the regular season. As stated in a previous news story, starting training camp on the PUP list doesn't necessarily mean he'll remain there throughout camp, so we'll keep an eye on the situation over the next few weeks. Pacheco is currently slightly ahead of Jerick McKinnon in our half-PPR ranks, where they both are floating around the RB30 mark.