KC Chiefs Waive Matt Dickerson, Activate Mecole Hardman From IR

Kansas City is officially bringing Hardman back to the active roster and has cleared room for his spot on the 53.

On Saturday morning, it was reported that the Kansas City Chiefs were expected to activate wide receiver Mecole Hardman off the injured reserve list. Just over an hour later, the team is officially bringing its speedy pass-catcher back to the active 53-man roster in time for a Week 17 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran wideout is no longer questionable for Sunday's contest.

Per an afternoon announcement from the team, the corresponding move for Hardman was made on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle Matt Dickerson is being waived to make room on the roster.

We have activated WR Mecole Hardman from Reserve/Injured and removed his Questionable injury designation for Sunday.
 
We have activated Practice Squad players RB Keaontay Ingram and NT Mike Pennel via Standard Elevation:
 
We have waived DT Matt Dickerson. pic.twitter.com/mXSQzEgUBO

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) December 30, 2023

We have activated WR Mecole Hardman from Reserve/Injured and removed his Questionable injury designation for Sunday.

We have activated Practice Squad players RB Keaontay Ingram and NT Mike Pennel via Standard Elevation:

We have waived DT Matt Dickerson.

Dickerson, now in his fifth season in the NFL, played in 11 games for the Chiefs this season. In those contests, he logged a combined 12 tackles in 165 defensive snaps and also had six snaps on special teams. The former UCLA standout appeared in eight consecutive contests at one point but in each of the past two weeks, he's been listed as inactive on game day. Everyone is subject to the waiver priority at this point in the season, so it remains to be seen whether Dickerson will get picked up by another squad or end up back in Kansas City in some capacity.

The elevation of veteran Mike Pennel makes a ton of sense, as the 32-year-old got 12 and 13 defensive reps in Weeks 15 and 16, respectively. Pennel has experience in Steve Spagnuolo's defense and emerged as a complementary contributor in recent weeks after signing with the Chiefs' practice squad back in October. 

Elsewhere, halfback Keaontay Ingram is being elevated as some potential backfield depth for Week 17. The former Arizona Cardinal signed with Kansas City's practice squad in late November and has 74 rushing yards and four receptions for 26 yards on the year. With Isiah Pacheco going through concussion protocol during the week and Clyde Edwards-Helaire battling an illness, this move provides an insurance policy of sorts for Sunday if needed.

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