The Kansas City Chiefs are back on the practice field on Monday as they’re preparing for their preseason finale against the Chicago Bears.
Some of the Chiefs’ key starters didn’t play in their most recent exhibition contest against the Seattle Seahawks, as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Trent McDuffie, and Chris Jones weren’t on the field.
However, the plan for this week’s preseason game is for the first-team to play against the Bears, which was the plan from the start, per Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.
While Chiefs fans will be excited to see the starters get a dress rehearsal before the real action begins September 5, there might be one rookie who could be sidelined for the finale depending on how the rest of the week goes.
Chiefs Rookie WR Jalen Royals Dealing with Knee Issue Heading into Final Preseason Game
According to Chiefs senior team reporter Matt McMullen, rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals was among the several players not practicing on Monday. The young pass catcher is dealing with knee tendinitis.
The rookie wideout has received a lot of buzz throughout the offseason workout period and in the preseason. In fact, Royals made a huge play in last week’s game against Seattle, where he ripped off a 49-yard kickoff return.
The youngster showcased what he can do with the ball in his hands. If he hadn't been tripped up by Seahawks kicker Jason Myers, Royals might’ve scored a touchdown.
The rookie wide receiver didn’t get any targets in last week’s game. But it's clear, based on what we’ve seen in practice and the first preseason game, that the Chiefs want to get this kid on the field immediately.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Royals will practice at all this week, with the final game set for Friday night. If he can return in some fashion, maybe there’s a chance we can see him with Patrick Mahomes and the first team.
If not, the Chiefs will closely monitor his knee issue as their ultimate goal is to make sure that the young wide receiver is ready for the season opener. Furthermore, if Royals cannot play on Friday night, it could allow one of the wide receivers (Tyquan Thornton, Jason Brownlee) fighting for a job to get valuable snaps.
More Kansas City Chiefs News and Rumors: