Kansas City Chiefs Release Keaontay Ingram and Justin Lockhart Due to Injury Issues
Kicking Off 2025 with Some Chiefs News!
The Kansas City Chiefs aren't messin' around, shaking things up with a couple of roster moves as injuries continue to throw a wrench in their offseason plans. On May 15, the team said goodbye to running back Keaontay Ingram, tagged with an injury designation, and wide receiver Justin Lockhart via an injury settlement, according to NFL transactions.
First word on the street comes from Nick Jacobs of KSHB 41 News, who spilled the beans on X (formerly Twitter). Check it out:
"The #Chiefs wave goodbye to RB Keaontay Ingram injured, and WR Justin Lockhart with an injury settlement per NFL Transactions. @KSHB41 @41IsTheMic"
With mandatory minicamp just around the corner, these moves leave the running back room down to a scrappy six players.
Ingram, a former sixth-round pick for the Arizona Cardinals, landed on the Chiefs' practice squad in late 2023 after being let go by Arizona. He then signed a reserve/future contract in February of the following year. In the 2024 preseason, he showcased some promising potential, rushing nine times for 42 yards. However, the entire 2024-2025 regular season saw him sidelined on offense, serving mainly on special teams. With his current injury status, he might end up on the injured reserve list unless an injury settlement like Lockhart's is sealed.
Michael Obermuller of Heavy suggests that the recent addition of rookie Brashard Smith might have made Ingram expendable.
Meanwhile, Lockhart, an undrafted rookie, didn't get the chance to make a big splash. After being waived, he opted for an injury settlement to seek another chance elsewhere. The Lockhart situation signifies the Chiefs tightening their roster in preparation for training camp.
The competition among the running backs is heating up, with Isaiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and rookie Carson Steele waiting in the wings. With Ingram gone, the team's focus shifts towards identifying a third-down back from this hopeful group.
With summer approaching, the Chiefs are still hard at work refining their depth chart. These recent moves are undeniable signs that they're determined to bring home their third Lombardi Trophy in the last four seasons.
Enrichment Data Nuggets:
- The Brashard Smith selection might make Ingram's position somewhat redundant in the 2025 season.
- The Chiefs have added Brashard Smith and Elijah Mitchell to the running back corps, bringing more explosive potential but possibly struggling in pass protection with the departure of Samaje Perine.
- The recent moves open up space on the 90-man roster, which could be used to address other needs or injuries.
- The addition and subtraction of players could impact the Chiefs' offense, with the new additions enhancing the running back position but potentially struggling in pass protection.
The Kansas City Chiefs' roster adjustments following injuries to Keaontay Ingram and Justin Lockhart could signal a shift in their running back position, as the addition of rookie Brashard Smith may render Ingram's role redundant in the 2025 season. Justin Lockhart, after opting for an injury settlement, is now seeking opportunities elsewhere, signifying a tightening of the Chiefs' roster in preparation for training camp. With Ingram's departure, the Chiefs' focus now turns towards identifying a third-down back from the remaining hopeful group, as they strive to bring home their third Lombardi Trophy in the last four NFL seasons.
