![]() Gay stated this offseason that one of his personal goals is to lead all NFL linebackers in interceptions. He is a huge target at 6-foot-6 and could be an under-the-radar redzone option for Mahomes.Įxpectations are high for the third-year linebacker Gay, ranging from fans to his coaches and even himself. ![]() With fellow tight end Noah Gray emerging, Fortson will have to show he can stay healthy and make plays when called upon. He should see some work in Saturday’s game, especially with Blake Bell likely absent due to a hip injury. Fast forward to training camp, Fortson started strong and was looking healthy before suffering a quad injury, costing him eight practices.įortson returned to practice last week and the team has been ramping up his workload ever since. Just when he was starting to gain some traction last season Fortson ruptured his Achilles in Week 6, ending his season prematurely. Last week against the Bears Wharton had a QB hit and a pass defended. The defensive tackle could be a big need in Kansas City next offseason, so he could do himself a lot of favors by stepping up. Wharton has been a good rotational piece along the defensive line for the past two seasons. Wharton has a strong case to make the 53-man roster already, but he’s hardly safe as a former undrafted free agent out of Missouri S&T in 2020. The Chiefs are as deep on the defensive line as they have been in a long time and some tough decisions might have to be made come cutdown time. Wharton is another player who could receive extended playing time on Saturday due to injury. Karlaftis is currently listed behind Mike Danna on the depth chart, but another strong outing could change that before the regular season starts. He has been a sponge during training camp, constantly in the ear of his coaches and teammates. This effort is on par with what coaches and scouts have said about Karlaftis during the offseason. He also had multiple QB hurries, just narrowly missing a sack on more than one occasion. He put his high motor on display, recording a sack and a tackle for loss. Karlaftis played like a mad man in his NFL preseason debut last week. Another strong performance could ensure that he not only makes the team, but he plays a pivotal role during the regular season. ![]() With injuries to Smith-Schuster and Hardman, Watson could play for most of this game. He has shown his ability to make contested catches in traffic as well as flashing his yards after catch ability with his 4.4 40-yard dash speed. Watson has developed a good rapport with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which was established earlier this offseason. Watson has caught every ball that has come his way during practices. He has shot up the depth chart from a bubble player to practically a lock for the 53-man roster. Watson has been another show-stealer during training camp. Watch for Pacheco on special teams as well with kick return duties. It will be interesting to see how much playing time he gets with the first team and how snaps are divided between him and starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Pacheco should see an increase in reps this week, especially with Jerrick McKinnon banged up. He gave a small sample of his skillset last week against the Chicago Bears when he shed a tackler after catching a swing pass near the sideline, displaying good strength and balance. His ability to run the ball with speed and power as well as catch the ball out of the backfield has Chiefs fans’ expectations running rampant. Pacheco has been the toast of training camp. Here are eight players to keep your eye on when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Washington Commanders on Saturday: With another cutdown looming next Tuesday, this could be the last chance for some players to get good snaps on film. Injuries will provide opportunities for guys fighting for a roster spot. A few of them are battling through some injuries and may sit out, such as receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, as well as defensive lineman Chris Jones. Andy Reid said the starters could play the entire first half as they ramp up for the regular season. In Week 2 of the preseason, the Kansas City Chiefs should see an increase in activity from the starters.
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