{"id":973809,"date":"2026-08-15T11:54:18","date_gmt":"2026-08-15T11:54:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/973809\/"},"modified":"2026-08-15T11:54:18","modified_gmt":"2026-08-15T11:54:18","slug":"chiefs-have-4-overlooked-offensive-players-fans-need-to-watch-vs-rams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/973809\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiefs have 4 overlooked offensive players fans need to watch vs. Rams"},"content":{"rendered":"

Patrick Mahomes is not going to play. Kansas City Chiefs fans aren’t likely going to see the team’s other stars at Arrowhead on Saturday night either. As the franchise hosts the Los Angeles Rams for the preseason opener, the real intrigue is less about which stars might surface for a series or so and more about the fringe roster players fighting for the few open spots on the pared-down roster that’s due at the end of August.<\/p>\n

If you’re wanting to know some under-the-radar names to watch for, especially those logging time in the second half of the game, keep a watch for these players with a good chance to make their presence felt as the preseason slate gets underway.<\/p>\n

Jacob De Jesus, WR<\/p>\n

Jacob De Jesus faces a mountain of a climb to earn a 53-man roster spot with the Chiefs, but there’s a very real chance he’s playing for a premium spot on the practice squad in these three preseason games, beginning on Saturday. He’s already turned heads<\/a> with some impressive work in camp, and Dave Toub mentioned him in his post-practice remarks mid-week as player he’s excited to see. He caught 108 passes a year and has extensive work on kickoff and punt returns with UNLV. Keep an eye out for how he looks in offensive reps and when he’s given a chance to tackle specialist duties. <\/p>\n

Brashard Smith, RB<\/p>\n

A year ago, Smith was learning the ropes in the NFL as a seventh-round rookie. He flashed some real potential<\/a> late in the year but never carved out a meaningful role when all was said and done. Now, in a rebuilt backfield, Smith’s going to be a player to watch as an athletic player with positional versatility who could prove to be useful if he learns the nuances of the position. Watching how Smith’s pass protection has improved (or not) is going to be key to whether or not we see him earn a roster spot for a second season in K.C. or is relegated to the practice squad.<\/p>\n

Pete Nygra, IOL<\/p>\n

Pete Nygra joined the Chiefs<\/a> as a rookie free agent out of Louisville with plenty of experience, with 25 starts at center over the last two seasons for the Cardinals and another 23 starts before that at Northern Illinois. Hunter Nourzad and CJ Hanson are the primary competitors for an interior role with Mike Caliendo, but Nygra’s experience could give him an edge as a pro-ready player who has four years of cost control ahead of him. Watch how the battle plays out in the second- and third-team units inside. <\/p>\n

Jake Briningstool, TE<\/p>\n

One year ago, all eyes in the preseason were on Jake Briningstool as tight end who set all kinds of school receiving records for his position at Clemson. The Chiefs were deemed lucky to have reeled him in as a priority free agent, but a preseason injury kept anyone from seeing how that potential would play out with experience. Now, Briningstool is largely operating in the shadows, but the Chiefs have done nothing at TE to stand in the prospect’s way of making an impact. Expect him to get some good looks in the passing game when allowed to play, and perhaps the buzz will start up once again.<\/p>\n

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