On Tuesday, the Kansas City Chiefs will finalize their 53-man roster. Daurice Fountain, a wide receiver from the Kansas Star , was one of the roster cuts. Given his experience with the Chiefs’ offensive scheme and his achievements on special teams, the 26-year old receiver was expected to be named to the Chiefs’ 53-man roster. However, he was in the team’s cut list.
Given the turnover at wide receiver, Fountain was offered the opportunity to play a larger role in the Chiefs’ offense for 2022. However, that won’t be the case as Fountain failed to make enough impression during the preseason for him to earn a spot on their 53-man roster.
Chiefs released WR Daurice Fountain, according to a source.
This is a surprise move, figured Fountain was in because he knew scheme and can contribute on special teams.
— Herbie Teope (@HerbieTeope) August 30, 2022
Fountain did not play on the offense in 2021. He logged most of his snaps with special teams. Although there was good reason to believe that he would be back in special teams in 2022, the Chiefs surprised him by sending him packing.
Although it is not clear if the team will bring him back via practice squad, it would be a sensible move, considering his fit.
Fountain was the fifth round pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2019, 159th overall. Fountain spent two years in Indy, before joining the Chiefs for 2021.
The Chiefs will begin the season with a large receiving corps that includes JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman as well as Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdes–Scantling. Fountain and veteran wideout Josh Gordon were among the cuts Tuesday, but there may be more moves ahead of the 4:00 PM EST deadline.