The Kansas City Chiefs have mysteriously opted to shy away from rookie receiver Jalen Royals throughout the 2025 season. Even as it has become increasingly clear that Kansas City's depth is in great need of improvement, the coaching staff has still refused to create meaningful chances for the young receiver to prove himself. This is reflected in the fact that, since Week 8, the rookie playmaker has played only three offensive snaps this season.
However, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is insisting that this week will be different, according to A to Z Sports Charles Goldman. On Tuesday, Nagy told reporters that he wants to get Royals more reps.
While that sounds promising on paper, it is a tired sentiment that fans have previously heard this season and have no reason to believe until they see it actually translate to seeing Royals being given a chance on the field.
Matt Nagy Is Toying with Chiefs Fans' Jalen Royals Hopes Again
This is one of many reasons that fans are tired of Nagy and believe the offensive coordinator is a piece of the problems that halted the recent dynastic run. With this in mind, there's little reason to believe that Nagy's words will actually translate into a meaningful chance for Royals, given that he was barely used in Week 16 despite Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton both missing the contest.
If ever there was a moment for Kansas City to throw out every inexperienced depth piece and rookie, it is Week 17. Both Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew are done for the season, leaving the Chiefs with third-string QB Chris Oladokun and little reason to believe they can contend against a loaded Denver Broncos team.
All of this sets up the perfect opportunity for Royals to not only be an important piece of the action but also show if he's a viable starter down the line. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Hollywood Brown are both making it clear that it's time for the franchise to move in another direction. Xavier Worthy has been nursing a shoulder injury all season and should be given the extra rest to get healthy for the final two years of his rookie contract.
There simply isn't a valid excuse to keep Royals out of the lineup, and yet all of this was true in Week 16, and the Chiefs only played the rookie three snaps. It is indicative of a lost coaching staff falling out of touch, and one way to get the fans back on their side would be to finally unleash the promising youngster.
If Royals falters, the Chiefs will know that even more WR help will be needed in 2026. But if not, and he makes the most of the final two games, Kansas City's wideout situation next season suddenly won't look as dire.
Royals is simply far too talented a prospect not to be afforded this same mentality, especially when there is nothing left on the line and zero risk to seeing what he might offer for the Chiefs' offensive future.