Chiefs’ Preseason Loss Raises Concerns: Injury Woes and Position Battles Intensify

As the Kansas City Chiefs head into their final preseason game, many fans are left feeling uneasy after a tough loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Chiefs’ performance raised serious concerns about some key areas of their roster, especially on defense, and the growing list of injuries is only adding fuel to the fire. While the preseason is typically a time for teams to experiment and build depth, the Chiefs’ struggles against the Seahawks are casting a shadow over their preparations for the 2025 season. Let’s break down the biggest takeaways from this preseason loss and what the future holds for the Chiefs.

Defensive Struggles: A Run Defense in Crisis?

One of the most glaring issues in the Chiefs’ loss to the Seahawks was their inability to stop the run. The Seahawks dominated on the ground, averaging nearly 10 yards per carry in the early part of the game. Even with Chris Jones absent, the Chiefs’ starting defensive line struggled to make an impact, and this exposed a weakness in the Chiefs’ defensive game plan.

However, it’s important to put things into context. The Chiefs were missing key defensive players, including linebackers Nick Bolton and Drew Tranquil, and cornerbacks Jaylen Watson, Christian Fulton, and Trent McDuffy. With such a significant portion of their defensive lineup sidelined, the Chiefs’ defensive unit lacked the cohesion and experience needed to effectively counter the Seahawks’ run-heavy approach. Bolton, who serves as the defensive signal-caller, and Tranquil, an important presence in the linebacking corps, are vital in defending against the run. Without them, the defense was left scrambling.

Despite these absences, the Chiefs’ defense still allowed nearly 50 rush attempts compared to just 21 pass attempts. This disparity highlighted a key issue: the Chiefs’ pass rush wasn’t able to generate much pressure because they were rarely on the field. The lack of effective pass-rush opportunities also meant the Chiefs were unable to take advantage of the few pass attempts Seattle did make, leaving their defense exposed.

While this defensive performance wasn’t ideal, it’s worth remembering that it came in the preseason. The Chiefs have the talent to shore up these issues once their key defenders return to full strength, and with Coach Andy Reid at the helm, improvements are expected.

Injuries Pile Up: A Major Setback for the Defense

Unfortunately, the preseason loss to the Seahawks wasn’t just about bad defensive play—it was also about injuries. By the end of the game, the Chiefs had lost six defensive players to various injuries, further complicating their defensive depth.

Nazi Johnson suffered a shoulder injury, which led to his early exit. Before his departure, Johnson had made some crucial plays, including a timely pass breakup in the end zone.

Linebacker Jack Cochran also went down with a knee injury, which could prove significant given his value on both defense and special teams.

Defensive end Felix Anudama pulled a hamstring and had to be assisted off the field by trainers. The injury appeared to be more serious than initially thought, as he was unable to walk to the locker room under his own power.

Safety Mike Edwards sustained a hamstring injury, which added to the growing concern in the secondary.

Defensive tackle Omar Norman Lot, already dealing with an ankle injury, re-aggravated the injury and was once again sidelined.

Quarterback Null Williams suffered a concussion, which is never a good sign for any player, especially a cornerback trying to make the roster.

The Chiefs will need to closely monitor these injuries, especially with Felix Anudama’s injury looking potentially serious. His injury could leave the Chiefs thin on the defensive line, especially if they don’t bring in additional depth before the season opener. Coach Reid has already mentioned that some players will need further imaging to determine the extent of their injuries, which adds uncertainty to an already tense situation.

Rising Concerns in the Secondary: A Look at Joshua Williams

With several key injuries in the secondary, it’s no surprise that the Chiefs’ defense struggled in the passing game as well. Joshua Williams, one of the players expected to step up in the absence of regular starters, had a rough outing. After Nazi Johnson left the game, Williams was tested in coverage and was ultimately beaten for a touchdown in the end zone. This highlighted the inconsistency that has plagued Williams throughout the preseason. While he had a strong performance last week, his poor showing in this game raises questions about his reliability.

On the other hand, Nazi Johnson had one of the highest coverage grades before his injury, suggesting he may still be a more reliable option as the season progresses. The competition in the secondary is heating up, and while Williams has shown flashes, his inconsistency could be a concern heading into the regular season.

Offense: Mixed Results and Rising Competition

While the defense certainly garnered most of the attention, the Chiefs’ offense also had its share of ups and downs. Starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and star tight end Travis Kelce were both rested for the game, leaving Gardner Minshew to lead the offense. Minshew had an impressive showing, completing 7 of 9 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. His ability to move the ball and keep the offense ticking was a positive takeaway, and his performance has made Chiefs fans feel more confident in his role as the backup quarterback.

Robert Tonyan, the veteran tight end, also stood out. He finished with five catches for 41 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his ability to contribute in the passing game. With Jared Wy still recovering from an ACL injury, Tonyan could earn a spot on the 53-man roster, especially if his performance continues to impress in the final preseason game.

The wide receiver room, however, is becoming more competitive. Sky Moore had a rough day, dropping two passes and fumbling a kickoff return. Despite these mistakes, Moore salvaged his performance with a spectacular 88-yard punt return for a touchdown. His inconsistency, though, has raised questions about his place on the team, and there’s growing speculation that Rashi Rice could secure his spot in the receiver rotation, especially given the recent updates regarding his suspension.

Bashard Smith also had an impressive performance, displaying explosive speed and vision on a few big runs. His versatility could be an asset, especially with the team looking for playmakers in the backfield. Elijah Mitchell, while not as flashy as Smith, showed steady improvement and could still find himself a place on the roster if he continues to develop.

Special Teams: More Surprises and Big Plays

Special teams were a highlight of the game, with several players stepping up. Jaylen Royals had a 50-yard kickoff return, while Sky Moore‘s 88-yard punt return for a touchdown reminded fans of his potential. Despite his earlier mistakes, Moore’s big play showed why he’s still a dangerous weapon on special teams. However, with the wide receiver competition heating up, it remains to be seen if Moore’s performance will be enough to secure his spot on the roster.

What’s Next for the Chiefs?

As the Chiefs prepare for their final preseason game and roster cutdowns, there are plenty of questions left unanswered. The injuries on defense, especially in the secondary and defensive line, could impact the team’s depth heading into the regular season. Meanwhile, the wide receiver room remains a tight race, and players like Sky Moore, Rashi Rice, and Bashard Smith will need to make a strong case to remain with the team.

The Chiefs’ preseason struggles have raised some concerns, but they still have time to make adjustments before the season opener. Coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ front office will need to make tough decisions as they finalize their roster, but one thing is clear: the competition is far from over. Chiefs fans will be watching closely as the team prepares for what could be another championship run.