All articles tagged with #kansas city chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker nailed a 69-yard field goal as time expired in the first half of Saturday night’s preseason game against the Buccaneers, giving the Chiefs a 9-0 halftime lead after earlier 45- and 58-yard FGs. The 69-yard attempt would have been an NFL regular-season record if counted; preseason marks have included longer attempts, such as a 70-yard try in 2025.
Chiefs wrap camp in St. Joseph optimistic about a more balanced, youth-infused lineup, highlighting a potential shutdown corner pair (Delane/Williams), improving O-line depth led by Kahlil Benson, and Kenneth Walker as a featured back, as the defense aims to take a step forward with added depth and rotation.
Chiefs training camp offered a bullish outlook: Patrick Mahomes looks fully back eight months after knee surgery and is ready to start, Kenneth Walker III appears poised to be the workhorse with strong receiving and red-zone upside, signaling a more run-heavy, under-center offense in 2026; interior offensive-line depth is a concern due to injuries, prompting possible roster upgrades; rookies are delivering, notably Mansoor Delane, Peter Woods, Cyrus Allen, Emmett Johnson and Benson, while the defense is being reshaped with better depth and a stronger front.
Rookie Cyrus Allen stole Day 17 of Chiefs camp with a one-handed catch in 1-on-1s, beating Mansoor Delane; the day featured familiar injury notes on the O-line with Josh Simmons and Trey Smith out, Jaden Hicks delivering a diving red-zone interception, and Mahomes connecting with Rashee Rice and Allen as Kansas City prepared for a trip to Tampa.
The Kansas City Chiefs held their 17th full-team training camp practice at Missouri Western State University, donning pads for the third straight day after overnight storms. With Arrowhead Pride off-site, coverage will come via local media as defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is slated to speak after practice, as the team prepares for its second preseason game Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 6:30 p.m. Arrowhead time in Tampa.
Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy spoke publicly about his wife Mia’s recovery after she was shot by their son in July; she’s on the road to recovery, while their son Elijah Zion Bieniemy awaits a competency evaluation and a Sept. 9 preliminary hearing, and Bieniemy has returned to the Chiefs.
Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy returns to Kansas City after a leave to support his wife, who was wounded in a domestic incident; he stayed connected by watching camp remotely and even yelled at the screen to stay sharp, as the team prepares for the season opener.
Day 15 of Chiefs camp in St. Joseph featured a swap of Kahlil Benson to right tackle and Jaylon Moore to right guard to balance reps, with coach Andy Reid stressing versatility. Trey Smith remains sidelined by a hip injury and isn’t expected back before the Tampa trip, while Alohi Gilman picked off a Mahomes pass in the red zone and various other positional rotations and injuries were noted ahead of the Buccaneers game.
In KC’s 2026 preseason opener against the Rams, three undrafted players stood out and could complicate the Chiefs’ final 53-man decisions: WR Andrew Armstrong, TE Jake Briningstool, and CB Melvin Smith. Armstrong, with a 6’4” frame and strong blocking, earned reps with the starters and flashed run-support potential. Briningstool had three receptions for 29 yards and better blocking, giving him a real shot at the third tight end spot ahead of Jared Wiley. Smith claimed first-string opportunities and contributed on special teams, keeping him in the mix in a crowded cornerback room. Kahill Benson remains a near-lock on the line, but these performances heighten the competition as KC heads to Tampa.
Travis Kelce debuted his first preseason as a married man by arriving at Arrowhead with his wedding ring on display, following his marriage to Taylor Swift; the Chiefs’ game against the Rams also featured his Amiri tie-dye ensemble, while he described the wedding as the best night of his life during a recent press conference.
Chiefs fell 20-12 to the Rams in their 2026 preseason opener, but several rookies impressed: Garrett Nussmeier looked poised at quarterback; Emmett Johnson rushed for 59 yards and caught three passes; Cyrus Allen made a clutch 3rd-down play; Jaden Hicks logged seven tackles; Harrison Butker went 4-for-4 with a 59-yard kick; edge rusher Mason Thomas showed burst. On the downside, Emari Demercado had limited touches, Peter Woods was quiet, Mason Pline struggled in pass protection, and the backup offensive line drew multiple penalties, underscoring depth questions behind the starters.
The Chiefs opened their 2026 preseason with a 20-12 loss to the Rams but offered early signals: a possible run-first attack led by Emmett Johnson with Kenneth Walker III rested, Garrett Nussmeier showing potential as a backup QB despite rookie missteps, Mason Thomas delivering disruptive flashes on the defense, and receivers in the group largely quiet aside from Cyrus Allen while Jaden Hicks stood out with seven tackles as the team builds depth for the regular season.
With Patrick Mahomes and the starting RB out, Kansas City's first preseason drive looked much like the past couple of seasons—predominantly shotgun passes and limited under-center work—raising questions about when the team will deploy a more physical run game and play-action, despite Kenneth Walker’s signing and a hint of under-center carries from Emmett Johnson.
Travis Kelce says he will be a better leader for the Chiefs in 2026 after a disappointing 2025, aiming to push the team through adversity and back toward winning ways. He credits offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy for driving high standards and pledges to set an example during a tough training camp so teammates will trust him “in the foxhole.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Rashee Rice is not expected to be suspended for violating his probation, with Chiefs coach Andy Reid echoing the sentiment; Rice is recovering from knee surgery and has drawn mixed reviews in training camp, but fantasy managers should expect him to contribute if he stays healthy and handles short-pass opportunities.