What to Watch for in the Final Preseason Game - Offensive Edition
Here is what I'll be watching for in Saturday's game
The regular season kickoff is less than two weeks away and the Kansas City Chiefs play their final preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. While most of the roster spots are mostly locked in at this point let’s take a look at some of the spots that could be open. What players can make statements in this last game that could find them on the Chiefs 53-man roster after cuts on August 29th?
Justyn Ross
I’ll get the most obvious one out of the way now. Justyn Ross in my mind is on the roster as it sits right now but there is still a small chance the Chiefs end up with only 6 WR’s on the roster. Ross would likely be the odd man out if they only keep six wide receivers. The ability he has shown to this point is something that would likely get him picked up if put on waivers.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette
If you had asked me before the offseason what receiver could slide into a potential role it would have been Smith-Marsette. The Chiefs liked him enough to elevate him last season to the roster when they had receivers go down. He helped on special teams and from what I had seen previously I would have thought he could have a shot. At this point, he’s on the outside looking in because of roster numbers. He can make a big case to show value to other receiver-needy teams on Sunday and could end up traded by roster cuts.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
He’s been the starter with Pacheco out though I see that as being more of a situational role than him being over McKinnon. I think he sticks on the roster for another season and they see what he can do throughout the year. Pacheco is coming off injuries and hasn’t played so having CEH will help and he would only save them $865,000 in cap room if they cut him.
Blaine Gabbert and Shane Buechele
Both of them will be on the roster but which one comes in first? Buechele has handled the second-string QB duties this week in practice so has he passed Gabbert? This is fascinating to see as Reid has always liked veteran backup QB’s but Buechele has shown considerable improvement in his time with KC.
Prince Tega Wanogho and Lucas Niang
This is likely a competition for one spot on the offensive line. Niang is a former draft pick who hasn’t had the ability to stay healthy. Tega Wanogho is an undrafted free agent who has been in the organization for the past couple of seasons. Which wins the swing tackle job likely means the other is traded or cut.
Darian Kinnard and Mike Caliendo
I think the fact that they drafted Kinard last season is a reason he could stick this year. He’s finally looking like he feels a little more comfortable inside at guard as opposed to playing tackle. Do either get reps at tackle on Saturday in an effort to see how much they can help playing multiple positions on the line?
Matt Bushman
This will be his last chance to make the roster as right now it looks like he’s on the outside looking in while the Chiefs are likely to roll with Blake Bell as the third tight end. Bushman looked good in camp but it hasn’t shown up on the field to this point during a game. The Chiefs are only likely keeping three TE’s so he has to impress to have a chance.
Jerome Carvin and Jason Godrick
I don’t expect either to make the team, but both could show enough promise to be brought back on the practice squad. Godrick is an international player and has looked a lot better than expected considering his experience. Carvin gives the Chiefs another interior player who could play all three spots on the interior that they could have on the practice squad in case they needed it later in the season.
Those are the players I’ll have my eyes on come Saturday when the Chiefs have the ball. Let me know who you’ll be watching!