In a surprise move, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to cut rookie running back ahead of their 3rd preseason game, leaving many fans and analysts wondering what led to this unexpected decision. The team’s roster is now taking shape, and it’s clear that the coaching staff is looking to make some tough choices to get the best out of their players.

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Elijah Young (34) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium.

The Kansas City Chiefs returned to practice on Monday as they prepare for their last preseason game on Friday against the Chicago Bears.

There will be a lot of intrigue and interest surrounding this final exhibition game, as the starters will play. And it will be the last chance for vets on the bubble and rookies looking to make their case why they should make the 53-man roster.

However, not everyone will get that chance to play on Friday night, as the Chiefs placed former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah on injured reserve and parted ways with a rookie running back.

And before anyone asks, the rookie was not seventh-round pick Brashard Smith, who should have a role in the Chiefs’ backfield.

We have signed Free Agents DE Owen Carney and LB Xander Mueller.

We have place DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah on Reserve/Injured.

We have waived RB Elijah Young. pic.twitter.com/DdSCV10L6y

https://twitter.com/Chiefs/status/1957541418647384476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Chiefs Send Rookie RB Elijah Young Packing After Two Preseason Games

On Monday afternoon, Kansas City announced that they’ve waived rookie Elijah Young. Young was signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft.

Given the amount of talent in the Chiefs’ backfield, the former Western Kentucky running back had a tall task ahead of him to make the 53-man roster. That said, the fact that Young made it through rookie minicamp, mandatory minicamp, OTAs, and training camp is still impressive.

The rookie running back played 17 total snaps (13 offensive) in the Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. However, he didn’t get a single carry and only had one target in the passing game.

In the Chiefs’ most recent game against the Seattle Seahawks, Young saw a decrease in his snap share (seven total with two on offense). The undrafted free agent only had two carries for 10 yards.

With Young getting cut now, it allows him to latch on to a different team to play in the final week of preseason. However, if the 5-foot-10, 198-pound running back doesn’t get signed, maybe he comes back to Kansas City via the practice squad.

Young had a solid college football career that started at Missouri (first three years) and finished at Western Kentucky (last two years). In his last year at WKU, Young posted 883 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 201 carries. He also added 47 receptions for 384 yards and two TDs.

With the UDFA out of the mix, it looks like the Chiefs’ RB room is set with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, and Smith. Fullback Carson Steele will also make the roster, completing the Chiefs’ backfield.

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