Kansas City Chiefs LB Willie Gay Jr. officially had his suspension lifted by the commissioner on Monday per the NFL’s personnel notice.
Andy Reid suggested this was coming as early as today, but he couldn’t confirm whether it would happen during his media availability. It was only a matter of time before he was removed from the Reserve/Suspended list this week.
Gay Jr. served his four-game suspension and was able to return to team meetings after the first two weeks. Reid had high praise for the league for allowing players to be involved this way.
“I’m glad that the league lets them back in with the group,” Reid said. “That’s a good place for them to be and stay in tuned with the game so when he has an opportunity to get back in, he knows what’s going on. Things go fast in the National Football League and a week can seem like an eternity. Things change, you’re always growing in certain areas, so to be back in the room, at least you can grow with the guys scheme-wise and do what he can do on the field here – we’ll just see where he’s at on the field this week.”
#Chiefs LB Willie Gay Jr.'s suspension was officially lifted by the commissioner today. The team received a week-long roster exemption for Gay, but they also waived CB Dicaprio Bootle.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) October 17, 2022
Gay Jr. is now cleared to resume practicing and playing with the team. Obviously, there will be some acclimation for the linebacker, but he’s expected to be available to play in Week 7.
The Chiefs received a roster exemption for Gay Jr. until Monday, Oct. 24. That means he won’t count against the 53-man roster until that time. The team also waived CB Dicaprio Bootle, who was just signed from the practice squad on Saturday. Theoretically, that leaves one open roster spot available, which could potentially be used later this week should the team activate CB Trent McDuffie from injured reserve.
