NFL preseason: 6 Chiefs who helped themselves in preseason loss to Buccaneers
KANSAS CITY, Mo. —
Entering the 2026 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs have the second-youngest roster in the league.
On Saturday night, some of those young players were among those who helped themselves out the most.
Whether it’s making the team, winning a positional battle or just earning more of a role, here are six players who helped themselves out the most.
1. R Mason Thomas: The rookie from Oklahoma continues to steal the rookie spotlight. He had a big game against the Rams and followed it up with another performance that will only solidify a significant role in the defense moving ahead. The Chiefs need an edge rusher to complement Karlaftis on the outside and Jones inside. Kansas City may have found their man.
2. Felix Anudike-Uzomah: FAU was name-dropped at training camp a couple of times this week by coaches. He’s healthier and more explosive. The Lee’s Summit native who was picked in the first round had a big game, recording a sack and providing additional pressure in the backfield.
3. Jalen Royals: The second-year wide receiver didn’t have a huge highlight, but was consistent and the most targeted wide receiver all night. He caught passes from both Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier, including a 17-yarder on the Chiefs’ lone touchdown drive. The fourth wide receiver spot is open. Last week, rookie Cyrus Allen made his case. This week, it was Royals.
4. Mansoor Delane: Delane has battled an injury this summer and missed last week’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. But he started on Saturday night and showed, in limited action, he belongs. He broke through a block on a wide receiver screen.
5. Brashard Smith: Chiefs head coach Andy Reid shouted Smith out after the game. He turned in a solid performance and the second-year running back made his case to have more of a role in the backfield.
6. Jaden Hicks: Depending on how much you value comments from coaches, Hicks is having perhaps the strongest preseason of any Chiefs defender through two games. Entering his third season with the team, the safety turned in another fine performance on Saturday. He showed that he may be a blitzing weapon for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.