The Kansas City Chiefs second preseason game was as bad as their first game. Although I raved about their depth in week one of the preseason, they were woeful in the second game. It didn’t help that they were hit with numerous injuries, which could affect their final 53-man roster.
With the team preparing for the final preseason game at home on Friday against the Chicago Bears, Head Coach Andy Reid has already stated that his starters will see some first-quarter snaps. That means Patrick Mahomes will be back in the huddle to get extra reps before the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
With the injuries and poor play from players who had been counted on to be back-ups this season, I’m not sure if the coaching staff will panic and attempt to add some veteran depth or coach up the mistakes.
However, given how the Seahawks exploited the Chiefs’ defense in both running and passing, I’d be worried. Still, Reid doesn’t panic, and I’m confident he and General Manager Brett Veach will make the necessary roster moves before the cuts are final next weekend.
So, heading into the final exhibition game, here’s my second attempt at the 53-Man Roster.
Offense (26)
Quarterbacks (2) Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew
Wide Receiver (7) Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jason Brownlee, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice
Tight Ends (4) Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, Robert Tonyan
Running Backs (3) Isiaha Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith
Fullback (1) Carson Steele
Tackle (4) Josh Simmons, Jawaan Taylor, Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole
Center (2) Creed Humphrey, Mike Caliendo
Guard (3) Kingsley Suamataia, Trey Smith, (FA) Shaq Mason
In summary, I’ll assume Rashee Rice will start the season with the Chiefs. That means fan favorite Nikko Remigio does not make the roster. Jalen Royals will handle the kick return duties, and I believe Brashard Smith will handle the punt duties. I’m still iffy on veteran receiver Jason Brownlee, but I do think Hollywood Brown will be ready for the season opener against the Chargers.
Regarding the running backs, Elijia Mitchell won’t make the team, so Carson Steele stays on the roster as the only fullback and backup running back. I saw enough of Smith in the Seahawks game to believe he made a big jump in his second game for the Chiefs.
The offensive line is getting a new addition. Former Houston Texans Guard Shaq Mason should be signed as veteran depth. The jury is still out on Kingsley Suamataia, and if I were the Chiefs, I’d move Left Tackle Esa Pole to left Guard and take your chances if they don’t shift Jaylen Moore to that spot. Additionally, I don’t see a place for Wanya Morris. He has been a significant disappointment in camp and preseason games.
Defense (23)
Defensive End (5) George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu, Mike Danna, Ashston Gillotte, Malik Herring
Defensive Tackle (4) Chris Jones, Mike Pennel, Omarr Norman-Lott, Jerry Tillery
Linebacker (5) Drue Tranquill, Jeffrey Bassa, Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Cam Jones
Cornerback (5) Jaylen Watson, Nohl Williams, Kristian Fulton, Trent McDuffie, Chris Roland-Wallace
Safety (4) Jaden Hicks, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, (FA) Justin Simmons
In summary, the Chiefs have some versatility on defense, but they also have a significant weakness in the secondary. After injuries to Mike Edwards and Deon Bush, I’ll keep pressing until they sign free agent safety Justin Simmons to start over Cook.
Additionally, Joshua Williams was a trade candidate, but with Nazeeh Johnson’s injury, I’m concerned Williams will be promoted to the second-team defense. The good news is that Kristian Fulton will be ready for the season opener.
Rookie Nohl Williams begins the week in concussion protocol but is expected to recover so that he won’t miss his regular-season debut next month.
I’m also leaving one roster spot open for a wild card signee after the official cuts a week from Tuesday.
Special Teams (3) Matt Araiza, Harrison Butker, James Winchester
Final Thoughts: The Chiefs have some flexibility with this roster, and several players can fill different roles. When Rice returns, someone will have to be removed, but that decision is likely in October. Until then, injuries will probably influence that move.
