CJ Spiller Released by Chiefs for 2nd Time

Running back CJ Spiller was released by the Kansas City Chiefs for the second time in the past week on Thursday afternoon.

The Chiefs announced the roster move on social media.

Kansas City previously listed Spiller among its final preseason roster cuts Saturday when all NFL teams were required to trim their rosters to 53 players.

The decision turned heads because it left the Chiefs with just two active running backs, Kareem Hunt and Charcandrick West, after Spencer Ware suffered a season-ending knee injury.

On Saturday night, general manager Brett Veach said the front office was considering options, including bringing Spiller back to the roster, per Dave Skretta of the Associated Press (via CJOnline.com).

"As you know C.J., being a veteran in this league, is not subject to waivers and there's a possibility that C.J. may end up on our roster. Again, we've had that conversation," he said. "We'll continue to monitor the situation around the league and see what's out there, what's available. So there's certainly a likely scenario where C.J. is on our team."

The Chiefs re-signed Spiller on Sunday, but his second stint with the organization lasted five days.

Thursday's move once again leaves Hunt and West as the only running backs on the Chiefs roster. They do have fullback Anthony Sherman on the 53-man squad and rookie rusher Devine Redding on the team's practice squad.

Meanwhile, the injury-prone Spiller looked healthy while averaging 4.2 yards per carry across 11 attempts during the preseason. He should latch on elsewhere as backfield depth if the Chiefs don't bring him back for a third time.

Kansas City opens the regular season Thursday night with a road game against the reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.