Report: Chiefs waive running back Darwin Thompson

The Kansas City Chiefs have waived running back Darwin Thompson, according to friend-of-the-site Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star (we’re tracking all of the Chiefs’ roster cuts on this page).

Thompson, 24, was drafted by the Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In two seasons, Thompson rushed 64 times for 225 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 108 yards and a score through the air. Thompson was a member of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl championship team.

The Chiefs signed veteran running back Jerrick McKinnon this offseason, and McKinnon’s performance at training camp and in the preseason likely made Thompson expendable in the eyes of general manage Brett Veach.

“I remember Jerick when he came out of college,” said Chiefs coordinator Eric Bieniemy on August 24. “We spent a lot of time with him at the combine, and he was one of those players that did everything. I think he played a little option quarterback, he played running back, he played defensive back, so we’ve had him on our radar for a while. But he’s a savvy veteran that’s just very good at a lot of things, and that’s the thing that makes him valuable because he brings a tremendous amount of experience.

“On top of that, he’s a heck of a football player that happens to play the running back position. So, those are the things that are intriguing. We love what he’s bringing to the table, we love how he works in the classroom, but on top of that what he’s doing out there on the field as well.”

McKinnon also impressed special teams coordinator Dave Toub with his work on special teams. With the waiving of Thompson, the Chiefs are likely to keep four running backs — McKinnon, starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire, backup Darrel Williams and fullback Michael Burton.

It remains to be seen if Thompson can find a home on the Chiefs’ practice squad — that is, if he clears waivers.