Chiefs test depth in second preseason game

A focused look at five player and strategy watch points for the Chiefs in their second preseason game against the Seahawks.

Chiefs test depth in second preseason game

The Kansas City Chiefs travel to Arrowhead for their second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, with kickoff at 9 p.m. Central Time. Patrick Mahomes will sit, giving Gardner Minshew an extended opportunity to run the offense and show he can operate with most weapons on the sideline. The result isn’t the point as much as evaluating the depth behind the starters and gathering usable tape for the upcoming season.

Key watch points include the punt return job, the cornerback depth chart after Jaylen Watson left practice in concussion protocol, and the competition for the third tight end behind Noah Gray. The Chiefs are also looking for players who can contribute on special teams and push for roster spots on cut-down day. The defense will be tested for pressure on the quarterback, especially if Chris Jones remains out, as the team weighs how many linemen to carry during the regular season.

This preseason game is less about winning and more about building a usable, versatile depth chart. Minshew’s performances could influence the team’s backup quarterback plan if Mahomes were to miss time. The punt return competition highlights how the Chiefs value players who can contribute in multiple phases, not just on offense or defense.

Beyond immediate roster needs, the game offers a glimpse of how Kansas City plans to balance development with durability. Depth at cornerback and along the defensive line points to a broader strategy of flexible schemes and multi-position athletes, which could shape decisions on who stays on the roster after the next round of cuts.

Highlights

The preseason is a proving ground where depth writes the next chapter.