Chiefs 53-man roster projection: 7 receivers could stick, plus a new name on the D-line

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — A year ago, the Kansas City Chiefs finished training camp without a significant injury, one of the underrated factors that help them become Super Bowl champions.

Plenty can change in 12 months in the NFL. This year, coach Andy Reid has overseen a month-long camp, the longest of his 11-year tenure, without Chris Jones (his best defensive player), running back Isiah Pacheco still waiting for his first full-contact repetition and multiple players spending time in the medical tent.

As expected, Reid conducted another fully padded practice Tuesday, less than 48 hours after the Chiefs’ preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints. The negative for Reid is that four players didn’t finish the practice. Safety Mike Edwards walked off the field with a swollen foot and ankle, an injury that occurred after he was stepped on by another teammate. Then three receivers — undrafted rookie Nikko Remigio, Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Justyn Ross — were carted up the hill.

Remigio suffered a dislocated left shoulder after making an acrobatic catch during the team’s one-on-one drill between pass catchers and defensive backs. A few minutes later, Smith-Marsette strained his groin in a team period. And toward the end of Tuesday’s work, Ross experienced discomfort in his left knee and hamstring.

“He really had a nice game and did some really good things,” Reid said of Remigio, who produced four receptions for 71 yards against the Saints. “We’ll just see how this (injury) goes.”

The Chiefs are optimistic that Ross’ injuries are not serious, meaning he could be available for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Arizona Cardinals.

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With the team set to end camp Thursday, we’ve updated our projection of the Chiefs’ initial 53-man roster. Three new players have proven worthy, with their reps in camp and their production in Sunday’s preseason game, of earning a spot ahead of opening night, when the Chiefs host the Detroit Lions on Sept.7.

Note: Starters are designated in italics.

Quarterbacks (2*)

Patrick Mahomes, Blaine Gabbert, Shane Buechele*

Saturday’s game against the Cardinals should give fans a quality look at Mahomes, who could lead the offense on two or three drives. In six snaps against the Saints, Mahomes showed his usual command of the unit, even scrambling on third down in an attempt to gain a first down. Mahomes has been excellent in camp, including his behind-the-back pass during a team period earlier this month.

Don't try this at home 🎯@PatrickMahomes x @skyymoore24
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 15, 2023

Gabbert showcased his strong arm against the Saints and performed better as the game progressed. Buechele threw an interception early in his snaps against the Saints but responded by finishing with 155 passing yards and two touchdowns. This group appears set, with Buechele not taking an active roster spot on game day under the NFL’s new “third quarterback” rule. The lone uncertainty is whether Chris Oladokun will return to the Chiefs’ practice squad or not.

Running backs (4)

Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Derneric Prince

Pacheco, recovering from hand and shoulder injuries, is expected to be available for the season opener. It would be a positive sign if he’s able to play a few snaps in the Chiefs’ Aug. 26 preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. Edwards-Helaire, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, has continued to be professional in his approach. A 10-year veteran, McKinnon will retain his role as the third-down back.

When camp started, Prince was the favorite among the undrafted players to make the roster. But he has struggled in the past week, fumbling in practice and failing to generate a highlight against the Saints. He finished with 14 rushing yards on four attempts in Sunday’s game. During Tuesday’s team period, Prince took his reps with the third-team offense. It appears Prince will have to show improvement in the next two preseason games to solidify his roster spot.

“Right now, the legs are tired,” Reid said of Prince. “He’s gotten a lot of reps. He’s battling through himself, so he’ll pop through all of this and be able to bring his pad level down, eyes up and go. He’s got some more opportunities here. I think he’ll be all right.”

These two always bring the mischief 🤣@JetMckinnon1 x @Clydro_22
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 11, 2023

Wide receivers (7)

Kadrius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Richie James, Rashee Rice, Justyn Ross

The Chiefs will have to carry Toney on the initial roster because he did participate in the team’s opening practice of camp. Toney, who is rehabbing after knee surgery, could be placed on injured reserve before the opener.

The rest of the Chiefs’ receivers have performed well. James has the talent to be an effective slot receiver alongside Moore, who has had a much better camp entering his second season. Watson’s biggest role could be on special teams and Ross appeared to secure his spot by producing two receptions for 29 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown reception, against the Saints.

“We have a lot of guys that can make plays in that room,” Mahomes said earlier this month.

Catch you later 🤘
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 12, 2023

Remigio could be placed on injured reserve, which would end his rookie season, making his first year in the league similar to a redshirt year in college.

Tight ends (3)

Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Blake Bell

The Chiefs want to start the season with four tight ends, which happened last year. But the team will be without Jody Fortson, the three-year veteran who sustained a right shoulder injury during the first padded practice of camp. After Tuesday’s practice, Reid revealed that Fortson’s injury will require season-ending surgery.

The next option for the Chiefs is Matt Bushman, a second-year player who broke his collarbone in last year’s preseason finale, costing him his rookie season. Bushman has been impressive for much of camp, so stellar performances in the final two exhibitions — on offense and special teams — could lead to him earning the final roster spot.

Offensive linemen (9)

Donovan Smith, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Nick Allegretti, Lucas Niang, Wanya Morris, Darian Kinnard

No changes with this group. The most relevant update is that Donovan Smith and Taylor, the new starting tackles, were exceptional against the Saints.

“I thought they did a nice job,” Reid said. “Our pass protection was good and they did some good things in the run game.”

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Defensive linemen (10*)

Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu*, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Keondre Coburn, Tershawn Wharton, Danny Shelton, Malik Herring, BJ Thompson

The Chiefs already knew this, but Sunday’s game helped demonstrate how much they need Jones, who is still holding out for a contract extension. The starting defensive linemen didn’t pressure Saints quarterbacks Derek Carr and Jameis Winston.

With Omenihu suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the league’s personal conduct policy, the Chiefs will need another lineman. Production in the preseason should matter, which is why Shelton, an eight-year veteran, has elevated himself in this projection. Against the Saints, Shelton, as the Chiefs’ best defensive lineman, chased and sacked Winston.

“He’s another vet that helps us a lot, a bigger guy, so he knows he’s going to be double-teamed,” linebacker Nick Bolton said of Shelton, who is listed at 6-foot-2 and 345 pounds. “That helps linebackers out. We’re excited for what Danny brings. I like the sack with the little dance at the end. He had the sideline pumped.”

The Chiefs could use another trustworthy pass rusher, perhaps someone such as Carlos Dunlap, who joined the team last year early in camp. If the Chiefs sign Jones to an extension, they should have enough salary-cap space to pursue Dunlap.

Rook putting in work 💪@fanudike | #ChiefsCamp
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 15, 2023

Linebackers (5)

Nick Bolton, Willie Gay, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal, Jack Cochrane

Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is likely most happy when he looks at this group. The Chiefs have four quality linebackers, all of whom can blitz and be effective against the run. In camp, Tranquill has had repetitions at all three main positions while disrupting several passes in the middle of the field. He recorded five tackles and one sack as the middle linebacker with the second-team defense. Cochrane is a core special teamer.

Cornerbacks (5)

L’Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Kahlef Hailassie

The first major injury of camp came when Nazeeh Johnson, a second-year player, tore the ACL in his right knee last month. Then, in Sunday’s game, rookie Nic Jones sustained multiple fractured fingers in his left hand. After Tuesday’s practice, Reid said the Chiefs didn’t have a recovery timetable for Jones, who spent the day meeting with a hand specialist.

If the Chiefs don’t place Jones on injured reserve, he’ll have to be on the initial roster to be eligible this season.

Such a decision could bump Hailassie, an undrafted rookie, to the practice squad. Hailassie can make the roster if he continues his streak of making plays on the ball, whether in camp or in Sunday’s game when he made a leaping interception near the sideline.

Kahlef the THIEF ❌
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) August 13, 2023

One concern about the position is that Sneed, the most experienced player as a four-year veteran, hasn’t practiced with his teammates since July 31 because of knee soreness.

“We’re taking that slow,” Reid said of Sneed’s injury. “We’ll get him back here sooner than later.”

Safeties (5)

Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Mike Edwards, Deon Bush, Charmarri Conner

At this point, the Chiefs should have a good idea of every player’s role in this group.

Reid and Cook are the projected starters, and they can be used interchangeably to help disguise the secondary’s coverage. Edwards is a capable defender as the rotational third safety. Bush and Conner, a rookie, should be plus players on special teams. Conner is also being developed as a nickel defender to back up Sneed and McDuffie.

Specialists (3)

Kicker Harrison Butker, punter Tommy Townsend, long snapper James Winchester

Prince (kickoff) and James (punt) are still the leading candidates to be the Chiefs’ returners. The most reassuring part for special teams coordinator Dave Toub is that Butker is healthy and has had a strong camp.

(Photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)

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