Kansas City Chiefs: 6 Backups Who Will Play Key Roles in 2012

While the Kansas City Chiefs have much of the same corps of players returning from the 2011 season, some new draftees, free-agent signings, and those returning from injury will assume a starting role heading into the 2012 campaign.

Some players that were forced into a larger role last year will take a back seat this season, along with some of the rookies and free agents that were brought in as well.

General manager Scott Pioli orchestrated one of the most successful offseasons in recent memory, putting the Chiefs in a great position to recapture the AFC West title that they won in 2010.

If all goes as planned, the Chiefs will not have to rely on their depth as much as they did in 2011, a season that most would like to forget.

However, if the injury bug strikes again or players just aren't performing up to standard, there are certain guys who will need to step up in order for the Chiefs to have a successful season.

Here are six backups who will play key roles in 2012.

Jeff Allen and Donald Stephenson

While some fans would have preferred the Kansas City Chiefs to have taken offensive guard David DeCastro—who would have projected as a starter right away—in the first round of this year's draft, they did add depth by using their next two picks on linemen Jeff Allen and Donald Stephenson.

Both players manned the tackle position in college, but Allen should come in as the primary backup to both guard spots, while Stephenson will be just as essential providing depth to the bookends on the offensive line.

It is not ideal having rookies step in and play such important roles, but as the season progresses, look for both Allen's and Stephenson's number of snaps to increase in case an injury were to force them into the starting lineup.

Dexter McCluster

While the Kansas City Chiefs have been working out Dexter McCluster at wide receiver so far in training camp, his versatility will allow him to be used all over the field if they indeed plan to use him that way.

McCluster stepped in last season at running back to the tune of 516 yards on 114 carries, while catching 46 passed for 328 yards and scoring two total touchdowns.

Though there doesn't seem to be a particular spot on the field for McCluster right now, if the Chiefs use him correctly he can be a very dangerous weapon.

Jamaal Charles or Peyton Hillis

Either Jamaal Charles or Peyton Hillis will have to start games for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012, meaning the other would be considered the primary backup.

Even when healthy, Charles technically came off of the bench in favor of Thomas Jones, although Charles was the more productive running back of the two.

The Chiefs will look to ease Charles back into live game action, so it isn't a stretch to assume they will handle the timeshare with Hillis similar to when Jones was in Kansas City.

However the Chiefs decide to attack their running game, it seems as though both guys will get a chance to be productive while not receiving a load typical of other starters around the NFL.

Brandon Siler

Brought in from San Diego prior to the 2011 season to battle for a starting job at middle linebacker and provide consistency on special teams coverage, Brandon Siler's career as a Kansas City Chief never got off the ground after tearing his Achilles during the preseason.

While some thought that the Chiefs would look at inside linebacker at the draft, they didn't, meaning Scott Pioli and Co. must have a lot of faith in Siler making a successful recovery and assume the same role he was brought in last for.

Although perceived as the weak link on an up-and-coming defense, Jovan Belcher is the incumbent starter at middle linebacker alongside Derrick Johnson.

Even if Siler plays well enough to take the spot away from Belcher, the defense could be better off with Siler as the primary backup, while showing his prowess on special teams as well.

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