KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – The Kansas City Chiefs dropped their preseason opener to the Rams 20 to 12 Saturday, but several young players drew attention in a game that does not count in the standings.
Fields starts, Nussmeier impresses
Backup quarterback Justin Fields started the contest and completed all four of his passes for 41 yards. None of the Chiefs’ starting receivers played in the game.
Rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier made his first NFL appearance, completing 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards. He was sacked twice.
“For his first time out there rolling, I thought he handled it well, made some nice throws, had some long yardage situations and handled it well,” head coach Andy Reid said. “And did a good job there.”
Johnson, Ott make cases at running back
Rookie running back Emmett Johnson, a Nebraska product, turned 15 touches into 69 yards. A touchdown run was called back due to one of the team’s 12 penalties.
“He did a nice job with it and ran hard and aggressive, had some yards after contact there, which is a big thing,” Reid said. “He was one of the positives coming out of this — I thought he did a nice job.”
Fellow rookie running back Jayden Ott added 40 yards on two receptions.
Allen, Thomas show in first NFL action
Rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen caught two passes for 20 yards in his NFL debut.
“It was definitely surreal,” Allen said. “A big moment to be out here and play football after doing the draft process and everything, so I appreciate it.”
Reid said Allen’s performance carried over from training camp. “He’s been doing well at camp and it looked like he picked right up from there,” Reid said.
Defensive rookies build on camp performances
On defense, defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah had notable moments, building on a solid training camp. Rookie edge rusher Mason Thomas also showed at times during the contest.
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