Kansas City Chiefs

Garrett Nussmeier

QB

For the second time in as many preseason games, the rookie seventh-round pick followed starter Justin Fields into the contest. Nussmeier once again mostly kept his throws close to the line of scrimmage while averaging just 4.4 yards per attempt, but he did lead the Chiefs to a field goal on a 13-play drive during his first possession beginning just past the midway point of the second quarter. Nussmeier is likely to see plenty of action and potentially even draw a starting assignment in Friday's home preseason finale against the Seahawks.

Justin Fields

QB

Fields drew the start with Patrick Mahomes inactive and got his night off to a sluggish start, moving the Chiefs just 30 yards on 12 plays over the first three drives. However, the veteran signal-caller found his rhythm in the second quarter, when he led Kansas City to a field goal via an 11-play, 43-yard march on what turned out to be his final possession. Fields is set to operate as the No. 2 quarterback come the regular season, serving as a highly mobile and experienced emergency option should injury befall Mahomes again.

Cyrus Allen

WR

The 2026 fifth-round pick has shown up on film in the first two preseason games, as he now has five receptions on 10 targets over that span. Allen has only netted 27 receiving yards in the process, but he's worked exclusively with backup quarterbacks such as Justin Fields and Garrett Nussmeier. Allen saw action into the second half Saturday and may well take the field again for the preseason finale at home against the Seahawks on Friday night.

Kenneth Walker III

RB

After getting on the field for just one snap in the preseason opener against the Rams, Walker once again started Saturday but did log his first pair of touches as a member of the Chiefs. The 2025 Super Bowl champion is ticketed for a clear lead-back role this coming season, and Walker therefore is likeliest to next take the field in a Week 1 home matchup against the Broncos on Monday night, Sept. 14.

Emmett Johnson

RB

The rookie fifth-round pick was the third Chiefs running back to get a touch behind veterans Kenneth Walker and Emari Demercado. The highlight of Johnson's night came late in the third quarter, when he recorded a one-yard touchdown run after getting the ball to the Buccaneers' three-yard line two plays earlier with a four-yard rush. Johnson was outgained on the ground by his primary competition for a depth role behind Walker and Demercado -- Brashard Smith, who had 37 rushing yards -- and both hopefuls are likely to see extended playing time again in Friday's home preseason finale against the Seahawks.