KANSAS CITY, MO — In a surprising roster shake-up just ahead of training camp, the Kansas City Chiefs have waived running back Keaontay Ingram and wide receiver Justin Lockhart due to ongoing injury complications, the team announced Friday.

The move comes as part of a broader effort by the reigning Super Bowl champions to trim down the roster and create space for healthy contributors as the 2025 NFL season looms.

🏥 Injury-Plagued Tenures

Both Ingram and Lockhart have battled a string of setbacks during their brief stints with Kansas City:

• Keaontay Ingram, who joined the Chiefs after being waived by the Cardinals, was hoping for a fresh start. Unfortunately, a lingering hamstring issue sidelined him through OTAs and minicamp, stalling any chance to compete for a backup role behind Isiah Pacheco.

• Justin Lockhart, a promising undrafted rookie out of San Jose State, flashed potential early in rookie camp but suffered a high ankle sprain in early May, keeping him out of crucial offseason reps.

With roster spots at a premium, Head Coach Andy Reid and GM Brett Veach made the tough decision to part ways with both players.

🧠 Strategic Implications

The Chiefs’ move signals their focus on building around depth, health, and readiness going into the 2025 season. With veteran additions and draft picks filling out the backfield and wide receiver corps, there was little room for players battling significant recovery timelines.

“Both Keaontay and Justin showed great work ethic, but at this stage, availability is critical,” said a Chiefs team source. “We wish them both the best in their recovery and future opportunities.”

🔁 What’s Next?

• Ingram and Lockhart will now pass through waivers. If unclaimed, they could return to the Chiefs on injured reserve or injury settlements — or land elsewhere if another team takes a chance.

• The Chiefs are expected to work out several free-agent receivers and running backs next week as potential replacements.

🔥 Chiefs Still Loaded for 2025

Despite the setbacks for Ingram and Lockhart, the Chiefs remain stacked on offense, with:

• Isiah Pacheco leading the ground attack.

• Rashee Rice (pending legal outcomes), Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, and rookie Xavier Worthy forming an explosive wide receiver trio.

• Patrick Mahomes, as always, ready to dominate.