Kansas City Chiefs release first ‘unofficial’ depth chart ahead of Week 1 tilt vs. Denver Broncos; here’s what stands out
The Kansas City Chiefs have released their first “unofficial” depth chart, just in time for Week 1 vs. the Denver Broncos. Here’s a look at what stands out from it.
The Kansas City Chiefs have released their first depth chart for the 53-man roster ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season. They’ll face the Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football” on Sept. 14.
It should be noted that these depth charts are considered “unofficial,” even though they come from the team. Why is that the case? The team’s PR staff assembles them, not the coaching staff. One reason to take them with a grain of salt: In Week 1 of the 2017 NFL preseason, Tyler Bray was listed ahead of Patrick Mahomes. That said, these aren’t entirely uninformed. They’re often based on what the PR staff observes in practice.
That’s not to say these unofficial depth charts are meaningless. Let’s take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs’ first depth chart and see what we can discern about the team.
Wide receiver
| WR1 | WR2 |
| Rashee Rice | Jalen Royals |
| Xavier Worthy | Nikko Remigio |
| Tyquan Thornton | Cyrus Allen |
Nothing too surprising with the wide receiver group. I will be surprised if Remigio gets any work on offense over Cyrus Allen and Jalen Royals. He’s primarily been used as a return specialist.
Left Tackle
| LT1 | LT2 |
| Josh Simmons | Kahlil Benson |
This seems to track with Andy Reid’s latest update on the left tackle situation. Benson is slated to be the Week 1 starter if Simmons is unable to play. It’s a bit confusing given that Benson has most of his college experience on the right side of the O-Line.
Left Guard
| LG1 | LG2 |
| Kingsley Suamataia | Joshua Ezeudu |
It’s interesting to see Ezeudu as left guard depth after he played at right tackle and right guard in New York this preseason. He did previously play left guard and left tackle for the Giants during the regular season.
Center
| C1 | C2 |
| Creed Humphrey | Hunter Nourzad |
Nothing surprising here, as Nourzad has been the primary backup center all offseason. Caliendo could also play here in a pinch.
Right Guard
| RG1 | RG2 |
| Trey Smith | Mike Caliendo |
Benson previously got work at right guard in place of Smith. I’d like to hope he’d be considered over Caliendo in an injury situation, assuming he’s not starting at another position.
Right Tackle
| RT1 | RT2 |
| Jaylon Moore | Diego Pounds |
Again, another interesting choice at tackle. Pounds played his college career and the entire preseason at left tackle. Now, the Chiefs switch him to the right side.
Tight End
| TE1 | TE2 | TE3 | TE4 |
| Travis Kelce | Noah Gray | Jared Wiley | Jake Briningstool |
You could’ve written this in pen from the moment that roster cuts came in. I won’t be shocked if the Chiefs find a way to use all four of these players regularly.
Quarterback
| QB1 | QB2 | QB3 |
| Patrick Mahomes | Justin Fields | Garrett Nussmeier |
No surprises here. Yes, Nussmeier looked like he could push for the QB2 job earlier this offseason. It’s reasonable for him to take a back seat to Fields and learn as a rookie.
Running Back
| RB1 | RB2 | RB3 |
| Kenneth Walker | Emmett Johnson | Brashard Smith |
Emmett Johnson is officially RB2 behind Kenneth Walker, as Andy Reid suggested just last week.
Defensive End
| DE1 | DE2 | DE3 |
| George Karlaftis | R Mason Thomas | |
| Ashton Gillotte | Felix Anudike-Uzomah | Jack Pyburn |
It’ll be interesting to see if Ashton Gillotte is available in Week 1. Remember, he suffered a ruptured plantar fascia. This depth chart suggests Felix Anudike-Uzomah would fill in for Gillotte, not R Mason Thomas. Though I’d expect a heavy rotation no matter what.
Defensive Tackle
| DT1 | DT2 |
| Khyiris Tonga | Bryson Eason |
| Chris Jones | Peter Woods |
Nothing surprising here. The newcomer, Eason, is more of a run-stuffing nose tackle. Meanwhile, Woods is an understudy at the three-technique spot.
Linebacker
| Position | LB1 | LB2 |
| WILL (Weakside) | Drue Tranquill | Jeffrey Bassa |
| MIKE (Middle) | Nick Bolton | Jack Cochrane |
| SAM (Strongside) | Cooper McDonald | Jeffrey Bassa |
It’s interesting that Jeff Bassa is the primary backup at both outside linebacker spots. I wouldn’t be shocked if he has a few sub-packages where he’s a starter for Kansas City in his second season as a pro.
Cornerback
| CB1 | CB2 | CB3 |
| L’Jarius Sneed | Kristian Fulton | |
| Mansoor Delane | Nohl Williams | Jadon Canady |
What we’ve seen from the Chiefs during nickel looks: Mansoor Delane and Nohl Williams at outside cornerback with L’Jarius Sneed in the slot.
Safety
| S1 | S2 | S3 |
| Alohi Gilman | Chris Roland-Wallace | |
| Chamarri Conner | Jaden Hicks | Xavier Nwankpa |
With Chamarri Conner expected to miss Week 1, Jaden Hicks should be starting alongside Alohi Gilman. Roland-Wallace could be on the field as a slot defender in Buffalo nickel packages.
Specialists
Kicker: Harrison Butker / Punter: Matt Araiza / Holder: Matt Araiza / Long Snapper: James Winchester
| RS1 | RS2 |
| Nikko Remigio | Brashard Smith |
This has been the same throughout the preseason. Nikko Remigio is the top punt and kick return specialist, with Brashard Smith playing second fiddle.
