The Kansas City Chiefs surprisingly cut running back CJ Spiller at the roster cut down on Saturday. I didn’t see it coming because the Chiefs had just lost Spencer Ware for the season and Andy Reid noted the Chiefs running backs as a position of strength. I thought that meant CJ Spiller, too.

Perhaps it still could. Chiefs GM Brett Veach spoke to the media after cuts on Saturday and suggested that Spiller could very well come back to the Chiefs. In fact, he said there was a “likely scenario” where it happens.

“I actually had the chance to talk to C.J. today and 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. 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.”

So, what’s the deal? My first reaction when I saw he was cut is that the Chiefs could be signing him after Week 1. That’s because, if a veteran like Spiller is on the Chiefs roster Week 1, his salary for the season is guaranteed. However, if he signs after Week 1, it’s not guaranteed. A guy like Spiller with an injury history, I could see how that’s important.

As a counterpoint, Veach said that they wouldn’t let that cap rule stop them from signing a guy who they need to beat New England. So, who knows...

Another theory is maybe this is a numbers game. The Chiefs were making their cuts and needed the roster spot yesterday. And if they can’t find a back better than Spiller on the waiver wire, they go back to him. Veach did say that the “odds are likely” they’ll have three backs.