There are a lot of positions still undecided heading into game three of the preseason.
Kansas City has all but solidified their first team starters heading into the season. However, the team will still see significant changes to the roster after the Chiefs take on the Browns this Saturday. Here are some players to watch.
The first player to watch is the backup quarterback position. Heading into camp it was all but decided that Blaine Gabbert was going to be Patrick Mahomes’ backup. That changed when Shane Buechele showed off his athleticism and what he has learned from Mahomes.
During the first game against the Saints, he showed his athletic ability when he threw a pass that could have come out of a Mahomes highlight reel. He also showed his ability when he scrambled and was able to avoid taking a big hit.
Gabbert on the other hand has not failed per say but has not had the highlight level reel that Buechele has put on.
Buechele did get the second-team reps against the Cardinals last week and if he is able to secure the second-team reps against the Browns he may solidify himself as the backup to Mahomes. This change would be a victory for the Chiefs as they have spent the last few years molding and dedicating a roster spot to a player who was a raw talent.
Chamarri Connor is another player to keep a close eye on.
L’Jarius Sneed has been dealing with a swollen knee all throughout training camp. He missed more than 10 days of practice and has not seen the field in any preseason game. Sneed provides a unique skill set of a slot corner but also being able to do many of the jobs of a nickel safety.
The Chiefs drafted Connor in 2023 and he has excelled in the role. If Sneed is not able to play heading into the first regular season game Connor will be the next man up.
In his role, he will have the responsibilities of a slot corner, a satey and even an outside pass rusher. He has not failed any of the tests the coaching staff has put in front of him.
This opportunity may prove his total value to the Chiefs. If he plays at a high enough level he may end up being the replacement for Sneed.
The final player to keep an eye on is rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah. Anudike-Uzomah is theoretically low on the depth chart heading into the season. However, due to circumstances on the roster, the Chiefs may end up depending on him to make a big impact on the roster.
Charles Omenihu is going to be suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, Chris Jones still has not reported to the Chiesf and any injury could force him even further up the chart.
Anudike-Uzomah needs to be a competent player at least until the Chiefs get some more depth back in the defensive line.
The Chiefs will have to make difficult decisions on roster cuts. Tuesday, Aug. 29 all NFL teams will have to cut their roster down to 53 players by 4 p.m.
