Bengals claim cornerback Chris Lammons off waivers from Chiefs ahead of AFC title game

The Cincinnati Bengals have claimed cornerback Chris Lammons off waivers from the Kansas City Chiefs, according to NBC’s Pro Football Talk. The transaction occurred Tuesday, five days before the Bengals and Chiefs are set to meet in the AFC Championship.

The move is deferred until after the Super Bowl, so Lammons will not play in either the AFC title or Super Bowl if Cincinnati were to make it. However, it prevents the Chiefs from re-signing Lammons to their practice squad.

Lammons spent the past three seasons in Kansas City, mostly as a special teams contributor. He played 322 special teams snaps this season, the most on the team, including 23 in last week’s divisional round win against Jacksonville. He totaled seven tackles and one forced fumble.

Lammons played his college ball at South Carolina from 2014-17. He finished his college career with 177 tackles, four interceptions and 17 passes defended, but went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. He later signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2019, making his NFL debut that season and finishing with 13 tackles and one interception.

The Chiefs now have an open roster spot, which they may use to activate either running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire or tight end Jody Fortson from injured reserve. Edwards-Helaire hasn’t played since Week 11 and Fortson since Week 15.

Sunday’s contest between the Bengals and Chiefs is a rematch of last season’s AFC title game. Cincinnati won 31-30 in overtime on a game-winning field goal from Evan McPherson to prevent Kansas City from advancing to its third straight Super Bowl.

That said, revenge will certainly be on the Chiefs minds. The matchup also features a battle of two of the league’s star quarterbacks in Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.

Kickoff for the AFC Championship between the Bengals and Chiefs is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.