After two consecutive games where he was a healthy scratch, the Kansas City Chiefs are releasing WR Josh Gordon from the 53-man roster.
According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Chiefs intend to re-sign Gordon to the practice squad if he clears waivers. The NFL’s rules in the postseason allow all teams to submit a waiver claim for Gordon, but the transaction would not process until the conclusion of the postseason.
Given that Gordon is only on a one-year deal in Kansas City, he’s unlikely to be claimed. Gordon truly never caught on or got comfortable with the offense in Kansas City after joining the team a few games into the season.
The #Chiefs are waiving WR Josh Gordon — who has been inactive — but plan to re-sign him to the practice squad if he clears, per source.
Because Gordon was on the 53-man roster for 8 games, he’ll get the same playoff check plus a practice squad check for rest of the playoffs.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 24, 2022
Should Gordon return to the practice squad, he’ll receive the same playoff pay as he would on the 53-man roster. That’s because he was on the 53-man roster for eight games.
If Gordon isn’t elevated to the 53-man roster in the postseason, he’ll have finished the year with 12 games played and seven starts. During that span, he recorded just 5 catches on 14 targets for 32 yards and one touchdown.
One reason the Chiefs could be releasing Gordon is that they have two transactions they’ll need to make this upcoming week. Both DT Khalen Saunders and CB Chris Lammons must be activated from IR by Tuesday, Jan. 25 or they’ll remain on injured reserve for the remainder of the postseason.