Chiefs face depth tests after preseason loss

Three emerging issues spotlight depth at running back, the pass protection of a young lineman, and health in the secondary after a preseason loss.

For Chiefs three areas of concern loom after preseason loss to Seahawks

SEATTLE The Chiefs fell 33-16 to the Seattle Seahawks in Friday’s preseason game, but the score is not the point. Kansas City sat its top players in the second quarter and beyond, so the result isn’t a reliable measure of the team’s strength. Still, three questions stand out as the team heads toward the regular season. First, the running back depth looks unsettled. Isiah Pacheco showed burst on a 22-yard reception and appears healthy, but the rest of the group lacks a clear game changer. Kareem Hunt was held out with a quad bruise, and youngsters such as Carson Steele, Elijah Mitchell and rookie Brashard Smith have flashed but have yet to separate themselves. The Chiefs added Michael Wiley in the days before the game, signaling they are still looking for upgrades.

Second, Kingsley Suamataia remains a work in progress at left guard after moving from left tackle. He had a better showing than last week and earned some praise for run blocking, but the pass protection remains inconsistent. The team rotated players and watched the rookie try to stabilize, a sign that the coaching staff is still trying to find the best fit up front. Third, injuries in the secondary thin the rotation. Nazeeh Johnson, Nohl Williams and Mike Edwards exited and did not return, creating uncertainty about Week 1 and forcing the team to rely on newly added depth, including Kristian Fulton’s return to practice. These health questions arrive just as cornerback Jaylen Watson has entered concussion protocol, adding urgency to every practice snap.

The broader message is clear: depth will decide Kansas City’s ceiling this season. If the backfield grouping cannot deliver reliable big plays or short-yardage support, the offense may stall against stiffer defenses. The Suamataia storyline matters because it touches on a longer arc the Chiefs have faced at tackle and guard: can a talented athlete convert raw traits into reliable protection in real games? The injuries in the secondary amplify the risk of a slip in a stretch where every game matters, and they underline why depth beyond the starters is a recurring theme for contenders.

This is a test of roster planning under pressure. The Chiefs have relied on Mahomes to elevate plays, but the team cannot lean on star power alone. How they balance evaluation with immediate needs—whether through drill work, waiver moves, or small trades—will reveal how aggressively they plan to pursue depth. In the end, preseason results are a preview, not a verdict; the questions now become plan, practice, and progress in the days ahead.

Highlights

The next phases of practice will answer whether these concerns are short-term pain or longer-term design choices.