Chiefs make final roster move ahead of playoff matchup versus Steelers
The Kansas City Chiefs made two moves ahead of their wildcard matchup versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. They activated running back Darwin Thompson, as well as wide receiver Daurice Fountain, from the practice squad.
After declaring Clyde Edwards-Helaire out for the game, the Chiefs needed to bolster the running backs group for Sunday. Backup Darrel Williams also suffered an injury in Week 18, furthering the need for added help.
Kansas City drafted Darwin Thompson in the sixth round of the 2019 Draft. He put up 64 carries for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first two seasons in the NFL.
Daurice Fountain, a 2018 fifth-round pick for the Colts, has seen the field in two games this season for the Chiefs. He caught two passes for Indianapolis last season.
Steelers X-factor for NFL Playoffs revealed
In what could be Ben Roethlisberger’s finale, the Steelers will give it their all as huge underdogs. Prior to the game, NFL analyst Bucky Brooks revealed who the team’s X-factor is for the playoffs.
“Yeah, Minkah’s a former first-round pick with two All-Pro nods, but I just had to include him in this file, given how crucial a role he plays,” wrote Brooks, choosing safety Minkah Fitzpatrick as the team’s X-factor. “The safety is one of the most important defenders on a defense that will need to play A+ football in order for Pittsburgh to advance in the tournament.
“Fitzpatrick is an instinctive center fielder with a nose for the ball and enough range to cover the field from numbers to numbers. As the rare ballhawk with big-hit ability, Fitzpatrick could be huge as a pass and run defender, alternating between the deep middle and the box, based on play calling.”
Since joining Pittsburgh via trade, Fitzpatrick has been the best defender for the Steelers not named Watt. The former Alabama star has single-handedly won Pittsburgh multiple games and is the face of the team’s secondary.
Pittsburgh activates star wide receiver for playoffs
In addition to Fitzpatrick, another star will be joining the safety to help the Steelers attempt to get the win. Shockingly, the team has activated wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for Sunday’s showdown.
“We have activated WR JuJu Smith-Schuster from the Reserve/Injured List and released P Corliss Waitman,” revealed the Steelers on Saturday.
The Steelers passing game has struggled with Smith-Schuster sidelined, but the former USC star gives them another weapon to think about. If Pittsburgh wants to pull the upset in Kansas City, it’s going to be all hands on deck for the Steelers.
On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.