Chiefs Approach the Preseason Finale: A Look Ahead 🏈

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Chiefs are gearing up for their final preseason match, with the regular season just around the corner. As the team prepares, critical roster decisions must be finalized by 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 26. Following that, they will have the opportunity to assemble the practice squad after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the projected 53-man roster.

Quarterbacks (2) 🏹

Active Roster:

Patrick Mahomes
Gardner Minshew

Practice Squad:

Chris Oladokun

Waived:

Bailey Zappe

With the need for depth at either wide receiver or tight end, the Chiefs are likely to keep just two quarterbacks on the active roster, opting for Oladokun on the practice squad. Zappe has faced challenges in reading defenses effectively and delivering the ball accurately, whereas Oladokun brings athleticism that allows him to extend plays. However, Oladokun occasionally overestimates his arm strength, which can lead to risky throws that might result in turnovers.

Running Backs (3) 🏃‍♂️

Active Roster:

Isiah Pacheco
Kareem Hunt
Brashard Smith

Practice Squad Potential:

Carson Steele

Released:

Elijah Mitchell

Waived:

Michael Wiley

Smith is not only a dependable running back but also adds value as a returner and wide receiver, showcasing outstanding speed. Mitchell has struggled to regain his burst following a hamstring injury, which could jeopardize his spot on the roster. As for Steele, his skills in special teams could land him on the practice squad, caught in a numbers game.

Wide Receivers (7) ✈️

Active Roster:

Rashee Rice
Xavier Worthy
Hollywood Brown
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Jalen Royals
Tyquan Thornton
Jason Brownlee

Practice Squad Potential:

Nikko Remigio
Elijah Badger
Key’Shawn Smith

Waived:

Skyy Moore
Mac Dalena
Hal Presley
Jimmy Holiday

Due to Rice’s suspension, the Chiefs are likely to carry seven wide receivers initially. Thornton appears to be the sixth receiver, leading to a decision between Brownlee and Remigio for the seventh slot. Brownlee offers Mahomes a unique red-zone target with his ability to secure fades and back-shoulder throws. Remigio’s standout role is as a potential returner, but if Thornton, Royals, or Smith prove to be more effective, Remigio could find it challenging to secure a spot.

Tight Ends (4) 🔒

Active Roster:

Travis Kelce
Noah Gray
Robert Tonyan
Jared Wiley

Injured Reserve:

Jake Briningstool

Practice Squad Potential:

Tre Watson

Waived:

Geor’Quarius Spivey

Tonyan has impressed with consistent performances, earning a spot on the roster as the third tight end. Wiley is showing signs of returning to form after an ACL injury, though he may require additional time to fully regain explosiveness. Briningstool has had a rough camp due to a hamstring injury, placing his status in question.

Offensive Line (9) 🛠️

Active Roster:

Josh Simmons
Kingsley Suamataia
Creed Humphrey
Trey Smith
Jawaan Taylor
Jaylon Moore
Hunter Nourzad
Mike Caliendo
Esa Pole

NFI:

Ethan Driskell

Trade Candidate:

Wanya Morris

Practice Squad Potential:

Jason Godrick
Dalton Cooper
C.J. Hanson

Waived:

Joey Lombard

With the roster looking tight, the Chiefs might shuffle this group to add additional players at tight end or wide receiver. Morris has a chance to secure a spot over Pole, whose size and skill may be too valuable to risk in waivers. Driskell's recent appendectomy leaves his playing status uncertain as he works to regain form.

Defensive Line (9) 🛡️

Active Roster:

Chris Jones
George Karlaftis
Charles Omenihu
Mike Pennel
Omarr Norman-Lott
Ashton Gillotte
Mike Danna
Jerry Tillery
Malik Herring

Practice Squad Potential:

Nate Matlack
Fabien Lovett
Coziah Izzard

Waived:

Marlon Tuipulotu
Owen Carney

The Chiefs are looking to bolster their pass rush by possibly adding another defensive tackle. With the defensive end rotation appearing solid, the decision around the defensive line structure is likely set. The presence of former first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah allows Herring to claim a valuable spot on the roster.

Linebackers (6) 💪

Active Roster:

Nick Bolton
Leo Chenal
Drue Tranquill
Jack Cochrane
Jeffrey Bassa
CamJones

Practice Squad Potential:

Cooper McDonald
Brandon George

Waived:

Cole Christiansen
Xander Mueller

Final decisions on the linebackers will focus on Bassa’s ability to back up Bolton. If Bassa proves to be capable, Cochrane’s role may diminish, allowing the team to keep both Jones and McDonald on the active roster. Cochrane's understanding of the playbook and impact on special teams is vital for securing his position.

Cornerbacks (5) 🧩

Active Roster:

Trent McDuffie
Jaylen Watson
Kristian Fulton
Nohl Williams
Nazeeh Johnson

Trade Candidate:

Joshua Williams

Practice Squad Potential:

Kevin Knowles
Jacobe Covington

Waived:

Melvin Smith
Ajani Carter
Azizi Hearn

The lineup for cornerbacks appears to be set, providing they maintain good health before the roster cuts. Williams, once a promising player, may need a fresh start, as he has seen limited action with the third-team defense.

Safeties (5) 🔐

Active Roster:

Jaden Hicks
Bryan Cook
Chris Rolland-Wallace
Chamarri Conner
Mike Edwards

Practice Squad Potential:

Major Williams
Glendon Miller

With the hybrid roles of Rolland-Wallace and Conner, the coaching staff may look to secure a sixth cornerback position. This strategic flexibility can significantly enhance their coverage schemes and special teams dynamics.

Specialists (3) 🎯

Active Roster:

Harrison Butker (Kicker)
Matt Araiza (Punter)
James Winchester (Long Snapper)

The kicking game remains stable without any competition, as this trio has proven effective with their dependable performances.

Remaining Team Needs 🔍

Running Back Depth: Additional support behind the starters could enhance the offensive versatility in critical game situations.
Defensive Tackle Depth: Addressing this area could strengthen resilience against the run and improve pass-rushing capabilities.
Cornerback Depth: Having extra options at cornerback will bolster the secondary and help mitigate injuries or performance slumps during the season.

The Chiefs are set to play their final preseason game on Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 7:20 p.m. Tune in to KSHB 41 for pregame coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. as all eyes turn to how these roster decisions impact the team's trajectory.

Final Thoughts 💭

As the Chiefs approach their preseason finale, excitement fills the air about what’s ahead. With roster decisions looming and the regular season just around the corner, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how these final pieces fit into the overall puzzle. Here’s to a successful season ahead!