As the team prepares for its first exhibition game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs announced their first preseason depth chart, and a couple of notable names at the bottom are in critical positions for the team.
The Kansas City Chiefs will unveil some new players this weekend. Though the first-team starters likely won’t play much, fans are excited to see the new wide receivers in action.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney is one name that found its way to the bottom of the recently published depth chart. He’s been battling injuries and once again was not practicing on Wednesday.
The Toney saga is a very difficult one for the Chiefs. They invested a third-round draft pick in 2022, and though he’s had flashes, he’s lacked the consistency to be counted on gameday.
This offseason, he didn’t participate in any OTA sessions and briefly attended some of the Mahomes workouts in Texas, but his attendance was erratic. The Chiefs declined his fifth-year option, and since he was a healthy scratch in the postseason last year, his chances to make the final 53-man roster appear slim.
If the Chiefs cut him or trade him for a late-round pick, it’ll be a miss by the organization that repeatedly stated that he was the team’s best receiver. Heading into 2024, that’s not the case. With the additions of Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and Nikko Remigio’s comeback, he likely won’t make the team this season.
Another player on the bubble is Skyy Moore, who the Chiefs could be on the trading block if the team values Mecole Hardman and Justyn Ross, who has been terrific this entire offseason.
If Ross plays well in the three exhibition games, Moore and Toney will be on the outside looking in for a roster spot.
Fullback Carson Steele is another bright spot for the Chiefs and the only man at his position on the depth chart. The undrafted free agent from UCLA should be able to replicate what former Chief Anthony Sherman did for Reid’s offense.
He played for the Denver Broncos last year, and the Chiefs didn’t have a fullback last season. Considering this team’s woes in short-yardage red zone situations, Steele can be a thumper plowing the road or taking the snap and getting the tough yards.
On defense, Defensive Tackle Neil Farrell has been solid in camp thus far. The former Las Vegas Raider didn’t play much last season, but he appears to be settled into Steve Spagnuolo’s defense heading into the preseason games. With Chris Jones battling injuries, he should see a lot of snaps Saturday in Jacksonville.
Rookie Linebacker Curtis Jacobs has already secured a backup spot behind Drue Tranquill. He continues to show off his talents in camp, and like Farrell, he should see lots of action against the Jaguars.
The depth chart means very little this time of year, but this Chiefs team is deep at several positions. So, it’s worth noting that some good football players might not make the final cut in three weeks.
