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Chiefs preseason opener yields promising performances from rookies, questions on offensive line

Nussmeier, Johnson among young players to stand out in loss to Rams

Chiefs preseason opener yields promising performances from rookies, questions on offensive line The Kansas City Chiefs dropped their preseason opener, but several rookies turned in notable performances in their first NFL action. (kctv)
By Neal Jones

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Kansas City Chiefs dropped their preseason opener to the Los Angeles Rams 20 to 12 on Saturday, but several rookies turned in notable performances in their first NFL action.

Third-string quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards. Head coach Andy Reid said the rookie handled the moment well.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Garrett Nussmeier passes against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City, MO. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) (Charlie Riedel/AP)

“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. And did a good job there,” Reid said.

Veteran Justin Fields, competing with Nussmeier to serve as Patrick Mahomes’ backup, completed all four of his pass attempts for 41 yards.

Rookies make impressions on both sides of ball

Wide receiver Cyrus Allen caught two passes for 10 yards in his pro football debut.

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“It was definitely surreal. A big moment to be out here and play football after doing the draft process and everything, so I appreciate it,” Allen said.

Running back Emmett Johnson carried the ball 12 times for 59 yards and added three receptions for 10 yards. A 4-yard touchdown run was called back on a holding penalty — one of 11 penalties called against the Chiefs offensive line.

Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson runs against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City, MO. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann) (Reed Hoffmann/AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Reid identified the penalties as the team’s top priority heading into the next week of preparation.

“The penalties are the number-one thing to clean up,” Reid said.

Defensive lineman Felix Anudike-Uzomah, a Lee’s Summit native, was also disruptive in the contest.

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Chris Jones situation draws attention

On defense, veteran Chris Jones drew attention after comments he made Thursday about preseason play.

“I don’t want to play in the preseason. I’d rather not play, but if I do play I’m going to buckle up,” Jones said.

Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo responded by starting Jones, then removing him from the game after the first play from scrimmage.

Despite the loss, Reid said the game served its purpose.

“We were able to get a good look at some of our younger guys and I think there was some real production there — on both sides of the ball,” Reid said.

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