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Kansas City Chiefs Release Bernard Pollard, 12 Others

The Kansas City Chiefs have just announced the final round of cuts to get down to the league mandated 53 man roster.

Biggest shocker?  Bernard Pollard.  Wow.

Offense Defense
TE Tom Crabtree CB Jackie Bates
G Darryl Harris DE Dion Gales
WR Taurus Johnson DE Bobby Greenwood
WR Ashley Lelie DT Derek Lokey
RB Javarris Williams S Bernard Pollard
WR Rodney Wright LB Zach Thomas
G Colin Brown (IR) S Ricky Price

After the jump, we take a look at the circumstances surrounding each of the cuts.

The following were released:

S Bernard Pollard

Wow.  There were trade rumors recently and apparently they had some legs.  This is far and away the most shocking move by the Chiefs.

Frankly, I don't understand this move.  This leaves DaJuan Morgan, who was injured for much of last season as a rookie, and Mike Brown, who has been injured much of the last five years, as your strong safeties.

CB Jackie Bates

This shouldn't be much of a surprise.  The Chiefs decided to keep five cornerbacks and it was down to Bates or Ricardo Colclough.  Colclough has been a return man in the past and provides a little more experience.

TE Tom Crabree

It's not surprising, either.  This leaves three tight ends on the Chiefs roster (Sean Ryan, Brad Cottam and Jake O'Connell).  Crabtree had a couple of nice plays in last week's game against the Rams but ultimately it came down to a numbers game.  Remember, the Chiefs gave up a draft pick in a trade to get O'Connell.

DE Dion Gales

A little surprised here.  Gales didn't necessarily separate himself but the Chiefs will be a little low on defensive ends.

DE Bobby Greenwood

See above.

G Darryl Harris

I thought about the best chance he had to make the team was due to the low number of offensive linemen.  Harris' name was rarely mentioned and ultimately proved to be expendable.

WR Taurus Johnson

Chiefs had a lot of wide receivers and, for a position where they needed playmakers, he apparently couldn't cut it.  It doesn't help that he didn't return kicks and/or punts as well.

WR Ashley Lelie

A little surprising considering he showed a little promise and is one of the few Chiefs receivers with some experience.  He's a fast receiver and the Chiefs don't really have that right now.

DT Derek Lokey

He was playing nose tackle behind Tank Tyler and Ron Edwards.  It was going to be tough to beat out one of those guys.

S Ricky Price

Again, a numbers game.  He couldn't beat out Jon McGraw and starter Jarrad Page.

LB Zach Thomas

Rumored to be injured and looking at retirement.  Apparently he was healthy enough for the Chiefs to part ways with him without an injury settlement.

RB Javarris Williams

The Chiefs 7th round draft pick and the only draftee released.  He's certainly eligible for the practice squad.

WR Rodney Wright

29 year old player who hasn't shown much thus far.

Placed on Injured Reserve

G Colin Brown

When did he have an injury?  Behind Pollard, this is the second most surprising move.  There were no indications he was injured.  He was the team's fifth round draft pick.

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