KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said Tuesday that he has not given any thought to breaking off negotiations on a long-term contract, though that remains a distinct possibility with the start of the regular season just a week away. Smith said earlier in training camp that he wanted to end discussions of a new deal by the time the games count. That happens Sept. 7, when Kansas City opens its season against Tennessee. Smith is in the final year of the three-year contract he signed with San Francisco, and is due to make $8 million this season. His agent has been speaking to the Chiefs for several months, but the two sides have not been close to an agreement.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jamaal Charles has confidence that the Kansas City Chiefs offense will be in synch when the regular season rolls around a week from Sunday. Evidently, so does Andy Reid. The Chiefs’ coach said Tuesday that he is unlikely to play any of his starters in Thursday night’s preseason game in Green Bay. Reid had hinted last week that he may break from his norm and play at least some of them after lackluster performances in their first three preseason games. The Chiefs have struggled to gel while dealing with a rash of injuries and suspensions that could keep several key players off the field in Week 1 against Tennessee.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs waived offensive tackle Ryan McKee and defensive backs Kevin Rutland and Damond Smith on Tuesday to reach the 75-man roster limit. McKee was trying to make a comeback in the NFL after spending last season working as an assistant coach at North Carolina. Rutland and Smith were trying to win jobs at cornerback. The Chiefs had to reach the limit by Tuesday afternoon. They play their final preseason game in Green Bay on Thursday night before final roster cuts are due on Saturday. The Chiefs open their regular season Sept. 7 against Tennessee.