Chiefs activate Joe Mays from IR, waive Jerry Franklin

The Chiefs activated inside linebacker Joe Mays from injured reserve Saturday and waived linebacker Jerry Franklin, the team announced.

Mays was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return in early September after undergoing wrist surgery during the preseason. His return will give a boost to the inside of the defense, as the Chiefs have had to roll with Josh Mauga and James-Michael Johnson inside after expecting to have Mays and Derrick Johnson at the inside linebacker positions.