One of the more entertaining decisions the Kansas City Chiefs will have to make by roster cutdown day on Aug. 30 is how the depth chart at the receiver position will fill out. The first three starting spots aren't in any danger or question, with the starting trio locked in as long as health remains.
However, where things grow a bit more concerning is the order of the next three names and who exactly will take the final depth role for Kansas City. With this in mind, let's look ahead past the final week of preseason and project how the Chiefs will start the 2026 season at receiver.
Chiefs depth at wide receiver remains major question heading into roster cutdowns
1. Rashee Rice
A contract year for an undeniably talented WR1 whose biggest questions remain off the field. If Rice could simply have one offseason without making headlines for the worst of reasons, fans would be clamoring for an extension. Instead, there is an understanding that, based on how the year ahead goes, this could be the final year for the pass catcher in a KC uniform. There simply is no underrating what Rice has riding on in 2026.
2. Xavier Worthy
With two years of team control remaining, the situation isn't as dire for the speedster who proved his toughness a season ago. Worthy wasn't healthy for much of the season as he attempted to work his way through a nagging shoulder injury that required offseason surgery. It showed in his results, scoring just one touchdown all year. No question, Worthy's fit and potential ceiling remain debated as his speed continues to offer the Chiefs a chance to find an elite weapon.
3. Tyquan Thornton
Last season Thornton had more receiving yards and touchdown catches than his first three years in the league combined. It speaks to the ability of the KC coaching staff to get the best version of each player. Still, there is a level of concern that plagues Thornton. He needs to prove that last year was no outlier and the two-year extension he signed with the Chiefs was worth it.
4. Jalen Royals
Kansas City's second preseason game showcased the best version of Jalen Royals, and by far the best he's looked in a red and gold jersey. It should be enough to give the youngster early-season snaps as the fourth option and a real chance to serve in a meaningful role for a team with obvious concerns at the position.
5. Cyrus Allen
Allen was the training camp darling of the Chiefs fanbase and remains an exciting addition. However, there is a long history with Andy Reid, making rookies earn their spots, and this is especially true for a pick made in the later rounds. Allen and Royals are going to be fighting for the same role, and the first few weeks of the season will decide which player Reid and Mahomes trust most.
6. Nikko Remigio
Remigio might not be spectacular as a depth option at receiver, but there simply aren't a lot of great camp performances to choose from when you're this far down the depth chart. Remigio's experience with the team and his value as both the kick and punt returner win out here and allow the receiver to take what could be the final spot.
On the Bubble: Andrew Armstrong
If Kansas City doesn't make an addition to the current depth chart, there is a good chance Armstrong can make the roster as the seventh receiver. It is simply a question of whether it will be six or seven spots that the Chiefs opt to take up. Armstrong has shown surprising capability this summer and made a name for himself when it comes to his effort blocking and setting up other players. This is the type of effort that will catch the attention of Reid's staff and make this a very difficult final decision.
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