Preseason Takeaways: Chiefs Preseason Opener & Roster Shakes-Up
A high-energy breakdown of the Kansas City Chiefs' first 2026 preseason action, spotlighting standouts, positional shifts, and key roster dynamics.
With the Chiefs’ first preseason game in the books, That Football Show’s Tucker Franklin and Matt Verderame dive into what mattered most from the action. While most established starters were held out, the team’s depth and rookie class took center stage in an athletic, promising showcase.
The offensive evaluations highlighted two major standouts who made significant moves up the depth chart. Undrafted running back Emmett Johnson turned heads with an explosive, elusive performance—forcing 10 missed tackles in just 35 snaps and making a strong case to claim the RB2 spot behind Kenneth Walker.
Meanwhile, rookie receiver Cyrus Allen continued his impressive camp by showing smooth route-running, strong hands, and natural separation as a primary target. On defense, rookie pass rusher R Mason Thomas flashed speed and disruption off the edge, while first-round defensive tackle Peter Woods faced a steep learning curve after getting double-teamed and pushed back on run downs. Additionally, backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier showed poise and a strong arm despite playing behind a struggling backup offensive line, as special teams units rotated heavily to test younger depth options across the board.
Key Takeaways
Emmett Johnson Forces the Issue: Johnson’s stellar vision, balance, and tackle-breaking ability against backup defenses completely reshaped the running back conversation, making him a prime candidate for the RB2 role behind Kenneth Walker.
Cyrus Allen Looks the Part: Allen proved his training camp hype was no fluke, demonstrating fluid route-running and high-pointing ability that solidify him as a key contributor in the Chiefs’ receiving corps.
Traits Over Early Struggles for Woods: Although defensive tackle Peter Woods struggled against double teams on run-heavy snaps, his physical tools remain evident, pointing to a deliberate coaching strategy by Steve Spagnuolo to challenge the rookie in non-ideal positions.
This recap was produced in part by AI.