The Chiefs moved on from BJ Thompson today, but the separation may be temporary. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, the Chiefs waived the defensive end with a non-football illness designation.
The specific designation of the transaction means Thompson will most likely land back in Kansas City. Assuming the player passes through waivers unclaimed, he’ll be placed on the non-football illness list, allowing him to continue his rehab without taking up a roster spot.
Andy Reid acknowledged as much while speaking with reporters yesterday. The coach noted that Thompson has made progress in his recovery from his 2024 cardiac arrest, and the transaction isn’t an indication that the player is facing the end of his playing career.
“[H]e is making progress, but just not quite, not quite there yet, but he’s made great, great strides,” Reid told reporters (h/t Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports). “And so in this day and age of the way football is, we had to do something there. And this is the route that we went. But it doesn’t mean his career is over by any means, just where we’re at today.”
A 2023 fifth-round pick, the Stephen F. Austin product played sparingly as a rookie. During a team meeting last summer, Thompson suffered a seizure that resulted in cardiac arrest for more than 90 seconds. He regained consciousness a few days later. Fortunately, it sounds like Thompson is doing much better, but the Chiefs are still playing it very safe when it comes to his playing future.
The Chiefs made another move today, waiving linebacker Blake Lynch (via Wilson). The veteran joined the Chiefs late last season and got into one game for his new squad. He re-signed with the Chiefs back in March. Lynch has appeared in 29 career games, with the majority coming from a 16-game showing with the Vikings in 2021.