In a few hours, the Kansas City Chiefs will kick off their second exhibition game of the summer against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Though quarterback Patrick Mahomes won’t play tonight, nor is he likely to play next week, the offense needs to build on their first effort last Saturday. Still, I’d like to see four players step up.
TE Jake Briningstool – He’s been one of the most consistent performers throughout training camp. Though he’s behind Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and a healthy Jared Wiley on the depth chart, I would not be surprised if Andy Reid kept four tight ends. In my view, it would be a wise move, given that the offense will rely more on the run game and play-action this season.
A year ago, Briningstool was among the highest-paid undrafted free agents in the 2025 class. Reid worked diligently to draft the Clemson star tight end and ultimately succeeded. Though his rookie year was cut short by an injury, he’s had nearly a full year to prepare for the 2026 season.
He has extreme skill and, in a pinch, could be used in the slot as a wide receiver. Tonight, I’d like to see him get some primetime action in the offense and see what he can do.
Defensive End R Mason Thomas – He showed some big-time power moves against the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line. He’s added some weight since he left Oklahoma, and he’s already advanced in using leverage to push back tackles who outweigh him by forty pounds.
He’s the wild card for the defense, and with Ashton Gillotte’s injury, which could sideline him until the regular season, Mason Thomas becomes even more important to the defense. Alongside fellow rookie Peter Woods, the two can make a big impact, but tonight I’d like to see at least one sack from the former Sooner.
Quarterback Garrett Nuesmeier – From my seat, he was the offensive star last Saturday against the Rams. He showed poise and pocket awareness, and even though he left some points on the field, he might be better than some people think for a seventh-round selection from LSU.
It’s clear from day one, when the rookies reported in July, that he has a solid command of the offense and can make plays. Though I won’t see it tonight, I’m curious what he can do with the starting offense.
The goal tonight is to take another step forward and put a little pressure on Justin Fields, who gets the start tonight and has his eyes on becoming the permanent backup for Mahomes.
Right Tackle Khalil Benson – Though he played guard last week for the injured Trey Smith, he’ll open the season as the team’s starting right tackle. He’s big and strong, has advanced footwork, and understands leverage better than last season’s right tackle, Jawaan Taylor.
He must get increased playing time at both line spots because he’s proven that, despite not being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, he belongs in the show. He reminds me of Trey Smith when he came to Kansas City as a sixth-round pick and nullified any concerns about being a wide-eyed rookie. He just went out and earned the starting spot.
There are other players I’d like to see have a big game, including cornerback Kaiir Elam, running back Emmitt Johnson, and wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, among others. Either way, the goal is to get out of Tampa with no injuries and get back to Kansas City.
