The Chiefs enter this game after a 2024 season in which they appeared in their third straight Super Bowl, becoming the first team in history to reach the championship game after back-to-back Super Bowl wins. Unfortunately, the team was soundly defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
In the preseason opener, fans will be very interested in seeing first-round rookie Josh Simmons play his first game as the team’s starting left tackle. A year ago, second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia opened the preseason at left tackle. On Saturday night, he will start at left guard.
Other players to watch include a number of drafted rookies, including second-round defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, third-round defensive end Ashton Gillotte, third-round cornerback Nohl Williams, fourth-round wide receiver Jalen Royals, fifth-round safety Jeff Bassa and seventh-round running back Brashard Smith.
Fans should also be interested in new veterans like wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, tight end Robert Tonyan, running back Elijah Mitchell and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery — along with undrafted free agents like wide receiver Elijhah Badger, linebacker Brandon George, cornerback Kevin Knowles and linebacker Cooper McDonald.
Head coach Andy Reid said he plans for the starters to play in the first quarter, but history suggests that most of them — especially quarterback Patrick Mahomes — will leave the preseason opener well before the second quarter begins.