Ihmir Smith-Marsette among Chiefs' biggest winners in preseason Week 2

The Kansas City Chiefs notched their first win of the preseason with a 38-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in preseason Week 2. Several players walked away from the game as big winners, putting their top performance on display for the Chiefs' decision-makers. The preseason is all about evaluating players and with less than 10 days to […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor

Aug 20, 2023 10:56 AM EDT

Aug 19, 2023; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette (82) dives into the end zone for a touchdown past Arizona Cardinals linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47) in the second half during a preseason game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic

The Kansas City Chiefs notched their first win of the preseason with a 38-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in preseason Week 2.

Several players walked away from the game as big winners, putting their top performance on display for the Chiefs' decision-makers. The preseason is all about evaluating players and with less than 10 days to go until the team undergoes 53-man roster cuts, every opportunity to impress counts more and more.

With that in mind, here's a look at eight players who boosted their stock as the team heads back to Kansas City for their preseason Week 3 finale:

Biggest Chiefs' winners from the preseason Week 2

WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette: Smith-Marsette took advantage of his opportunity on Saturday. He finished the game with a perfect four receptions on four targets for 92 receiving yards (second-most of all Chiefs WRs) and a touchdown. He also had a 45-yard reception called back on a penalty. He might not find a roster spot in Kansas City, but he'll earn one elsewhere.
QB Shane Buechele: This third-year quarterback seems to have forced a quarterback controversy after his play in the first two weeks of the preseason. He was a perfect 10-of-10 passing for 105 yards and a 15-yard rushing score. He looked calm, cool, and collected while commanding both the first-team and second-team offenses.
WR Rashee Rice: This second-round rookie was one of the biggest beneficiaries of Buechele shining. The two former SMU teammates boasted an impressive connection, with Rice catching six of his first-half receptions from Buechele. He finished the game as the team's leading receiver with eight receptions for 96 yards.
LT Donovan Smith: Smith looked very good in his second showing with the Chiefs, which was an encouraging sign after the struggle of a season he had in Tampa Bay in 2022. He looked like an All-Pro out there, allowing no QB hits and just one pressure on a night where he took 27 snaps.
DT Keondre Coburn: This rookie draft pick saw some action with the first-team defense opposite Derrick Nnadi, which means that the Chiefs are at least considering him in a role other than nose tackle. He moves very well and showed good burst and quickness off the ball on Saturday.
RB La'Mical Perine: This former fourth-round draft pick took his opportunity and ran with it. He led the team in rushing yards on the day and averaged 6.8 yards per carry on six attempts. He looked solid in pass protection and caught his lone target on the day.
LB Ola Fatukasi: It's hard to have a better day as a player who was signed just this week. Fatukasi played just eight snaps on defense, but he managed a sack, a tackle for loss, and two other tackles in that span. I don't know if it's enough to make the roster, but if he stacks another good week in preseason Week 3, he could track for the practice squad.
DE BJ Thompson: After showing exceptional burst on a few rushes last week, Thompson capped this game off with a sack on the final play of the game. He has a lot of great tools, which the Chiefs knew when they drafted him. We'll soon see if he's managed to do enough to make the 53-man roster.