Preseason Updates: Kansas City Chiefs

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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.

Updates from Week 2

Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes II could hardly have faced an easier preseason kickoff than he got against the Arizona Cardinals. A fumbled opening kickoff set up the starters inside the red zone, and Mahomes ultimately threw just two passes (only one counted) before sitting down. There is nothing for the veteran to prove, but it looks as though he is trying anyway. “He’s been the best player at Chiefs camp,” Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star points out, and wonders, “Why aren’t we talking about it more?” Gardner Minshew has the No. 2 job firmly secured after running the offense efficiently in the preseason opener and scoring on a touchdown scramble. Bailey Zappe struggled badly in comparison, appearing jittery behind poor protection and turning the ball over when he did push it downfield. There is no competition for Minshew’s role, and the depth chart behind Mahomes is set.

Preseason Updates: Running Backs

In the preseason opener, Kansas City rotated through its diverse backfield. Running backs Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, Brashard Smith, and Carson Steele all saw snaps, reinforcing the likelihood of a split workload. Pacheco and Hunt worked with Mahomes and the starters; they clearly lead the pack. The biggest question is Mitchell and whether the oft-injured 27-year-old fits into the picture. KC Kingdom’s Joe Summers calls Mitchell a “likely cut,” due mostly to the near-daily playmaking from Smith. The converted wide receiver continues to turn heads with his speed and versatile skill set for a seventh-round pick. “At this point, it’d be a major surprise if Smith didn’t make the roster,” Summers says. Steele could be the one who loses the numbers game. The Athletic’s Jesse Newell also would not be surprised to see the team add a proven third-down option before the season kicks off.