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According to a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, on Wednesday, the Kansas City Chiefs have placed defensive tackle Xavier Williams on injured reserve.
Moves for the #Chiefs: DT Xavier Williams (high-ankle) was placed on Injured Reserve, while G Ryan Hunter was waived. Meanwhile, veterans DT Terrell McClain and G Stefen Wisniewski were signed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 9, 2019
The Chiefs needed to make a roster move after the signing of offensive lineman Stefan Wisniewski on Tuesday night, which put the team one over the limit of 53 players.
This move was not unexpected. On Tuesday, we learned that after undergoing an MRI, it had been determined Williams had suffered a high-ankle sprain in Sunday’s 19-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, and could be out four to six weeks. Placing Williams on injured reserve was certainly an option the Chiefs would have had to consider under the circumstances.
On Tuesday, the Chiefs signed veteran defensive tackle Terrell McClain in order to make up for the injuries to Williams and his fellow defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was also injured on Sunday. The full extent of Jones’ injury is not yet known.
Williams will have to miss at least eight games before being allowed to return to the roster. However, the Chiefs may only return two players from injured reserve during the season. Quarterback Chad Henne and wide receiver Felton Davis are will also be eligible to return from injured reserve once they have missed eight games, and will be in the mix as the Chiefs decide how to use their two opportunities to return players from IR.
Williams has been on the field for 33% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps through the first five games of the season. Through 113 snaps, he has accumulated eight tackles (seven solo) and a forced fumble, but no quarterback hits or sacks.