Daurice Fountain Released Temporarily by the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL, roster management is a year-round balancing act—one that often requires teams to make short-term moves to address immediate needs while keeping an eye on long-term flexibility. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that balance was on display this week with the announcement: Daurice Fountain Released Temporarily by the Kansas City Chiefs. The move, which the Chiefs characterized as a “temporary roster adjustment,” isn’t a reflection of Fountain’s performance; instead, it’s a strategic decision to free up a spot on the 53-man roster to address a pressing need elsewhere (reports indicate the Chiefs needed room to activate a defensive lineman from Injured Reserve). For Fountain, a veteran wide receiver who has carved out a role as a special teams contributor and depth option, the temporary release is a familiar part of life in the NFL—but it also comes with the expectation of a potential return to the team in the near future.

Daurice Fountain Released Temporarily by the Kansas City Chiefs comes after Fountain spent most of the 2025 season contributing to the Chiefs’ special teams and serving as a rotational wide receiver. The 28-year-old, who first joined the Chiefs in 2024 after stints with the Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Chargers, and Green Bay Packers, has played in 11 games this season, recording 6 catches for 82 yards and 1 touchdown. His most notable moment came in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos, when he caught a 22-yard pass on third-and-10 to extend a scoring drive that ultimately gave the Chiefs a 14-7 lead. Beyond his offensive contributions, Fountain has been a staple on the Chiefs’ kickoff and punt coverage units, recording 7 special teams tackles—tied for the third-most on the team. “Daurice has been a reliable member of our team all season,” said Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub. “He’s a hard worker, he knows his role, and he always gives 100 percent whether he’s on offense or special teams. This move is about roster flexibility, not about him.”

Daurice Fountain Released Temporarily by the Kansas City Chiefs is rooted in the NFL’s roster rules, which limit teams to 53 active players on game days (with additional exemptions for practice squad elevations). The Chiefs’ decision to release Fountain temporarily comes as they prepare to activate defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi from Injured Reserve—Nnadi, who missed four games with a hamstring injury, is a key run-stopper and rotational player on the Chiefs’ defensive line. With no other open spots on the 53-man roster, the Chiefs chose to release Fountain, who is subject to waivers (though teams are unlikely to claim him given the late stage of the season and his contract status). If Fountain clears waivers, the Chiefs have the option to re-sign him to the active roster or add him to the practice squad—something team sources have indicated is a likely outcome. “This is a common move this time of year,” said a Chiefs front office official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We need to get Derrick back, and Daurice is a player we trust. We fully expect to have him back with the team soon.”

Daurice Fountain Released Temporarily by the Kansas City Chiefs highlights the importance of depth players in the NFL—and the trust between teams and role players. Fountain, who has bounced between active rosters and practice squads throughout his career, understands the business side of football. In a statement released through his agent, he expressed confidence in a return to Kansas City: “I love being a Chief, and I know this is just a temporary move. I’ll stay ready, keep working out, and be ready to contribute whenever the team needs me.” The Kansas City Chiefs have a history of re-signing players they release temporarily—last season, they released wide receiver Josh Gordon to make room for an injured defensive player, then re-signed Gordon two weeks later. This track record gives Fountain and fans alike reason to believe he’ll be back in a Chiefs uniform soon. “The Chiefs take care of their guys,” said former Chiefs wide receiver Sammy Watkins, who played with Fountain in 2024. “If they release you temporarily, it’s because they need the spot—not because they don’t want you. Daurice will be back.”

Daurice Fountain Released Temporarily by the Kansas City Chiefs also underscores the Chiefs’ depth at wide receiver—a position that has been a strength for the team all season. With starters Tyreek Hill Jr., Jerry Jeudy, and Kadarius Toney healthy, and backup Marquez Valdes-Scantling also available, the Chiefs can afford to temporarily part ways with Fountain without disrupting their offensive game plan. However, his absence will be felt on special teams, where he’s been a consistent contributor. To fill that gap, the Chiefs plan to elevate practice squad wide receiver Justyn Ross for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders—Ross, a former Clemson standout, has experience on special teams and can also provide depth on offense. “We have good depth at wide receiver, which allows us to make this move,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Justyn is ready to step in and contribute on special teams, and we’re confident he’ll do a good job. But make no mistake—we want Daurice back as soon as possible.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to adjust their roster without sacrificing competitiveness is a testament to their depth and the front office’s ability to plan for contingencies.

Daurice Fountain Released Temporarily by the Kansas City Chiefs is ultimately a reminder of the NFL’s fluid roster landscape—one where short-term moves are often necessary to address long-term goals. For the Chiefs, the priority is winning now and positioning themselves for a Super Bowl run, which means getting healthy players like Nnadi back on the field. For Fountain, the temporary release is a chance to stay sharp, stay ready, and return to a team that values his contributions. As the Chiefs head into the final month of the regular season, every roster spot matters—and the team’s willingness to make strategic moves like this one is a big reason they remain contenders. “This is part of the process,” Reid said. “We have a great group of guys, and we’re all working toward the same goal. Daurice is part of that group, and we’re excited to have him back soon.” In the end, Daurice Fountain Released Temporarily by the Kansas City Chiefs is more than just a roster move—it’s a reflection of the trust, flexibility, and teamwork that define successful NFL franchises. And for Chiefs fans, it’s a sign that the team is doing everything it can to compete for another championship.