It looks like Keaontay Ingram has run out of chances with the Chiefs.
Aug 17, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Keaontay Ingram (30) runs the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images
There was a time when Brett Veach spoke out on behalf of Keaontay Ingram, exhibiting a clear belief in his potential to be a darkhorse candidate in the Kansas City Chiefs backfield.
While the Chiefs general manager might still like his pro potential, Ingram’s opportunities have officially run out in Kansas City. On Thursday, the Chiefs decided to part ways with Ingram.
Ingram was cut with an injury designation attached. The team also did the same with wide receiver Justin Lockhart with an injury settlement.
Ingram joined the Chiefs midway through the 2023 regular season after being released by the Arizona Cardinals after struggling to move the chains or make any real offensive impact in nearly two seasons of action. Ingram averaged a scant 2.2 yards per carry for the Cards, although it was a small sample size even extended over such a long period with only 62 total carries to his credit.
Ingram initially surfaced on the Chiefs practice squad, a move that made sense in the wake of the injuries and inexperience in the backfield at the time. Jerick McKinnon was dealing with health concerns, while Deneric Prince and La’Mical Perine were untested. However, Ingram would remain on the PS through the rest of the ’23 season.
Since then, Ingram has returned to the Chiefs in a fringe roster role, receiving reserve/futures deals in the winter only to find himself eventually cut before active roster deadlines. He was promoted to the active roster early in the 2024 season, but that was cut short after six days, and he only had 5 special teams snaps in his lone appearance.
It looks like Keaontay Ingram has run out of chances with the Chiefs.
When discussing the running back position coming into last season, Veach singled out Ingram and made sure reporters knew he was a potential part of the plan as well.
“Keaontay Ingram is a guy we liked, too. We got him late last year and it’s hard when guys come in in the middle of the season. We had to add him to the practice squad late. But we were a fan of his when he was at USC.”
However, Ingram was unable to differentiate himself enough for coaches to elevate him any higher than others on the roster. Even an undrafted prospect like Carson Steele was able to edge him on the depth chart and claim an active roster spot.
A former star for USC, Ingram is still only 25 years old and will now hope to find a place to land in time for training camp this summer.
