The Kansas City Chiefs have no shortage of injuries heading into Week 16, with the biggest absence obviously being quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. However, the myriad of injuries has created an opportunity for rookie pass catcher Jalen Royals. According to A to Z Sports, Charles Goldman, both Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton missed practice this week with a concussion. That led to Kansas City ruling both players out for the tilt against the Titans.
With this in mind, the Chiefs would be forced to put Royals in the lineup, giving Chiefs fans their first real look at the rookie. It is also fair to speculate that backup Gardner Minshew likely has a level of chemistry with the Royals, with both players spending extensive time together on the second unit. This sets up an even better chance that the Chiefs are going to get a look at a player who needs the final three games of the season to make his case as a potential contributor.
Going into this game, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Xavier Worthy, and Royals are the primary options. Already, there is a case that Worthy should be pulled or play fewer snaps based on injury concerns. The final three games of the season should be focused on giving players like Royals a chance, with the season no longer mattering.
Chiefs' Injuries Set the Stage for Jalen Royals Finally to Have a Chance at an Impact Role
Royals had a lot of momentum throughout camp and the preseason prior to dealing with an injury that allowed the rest of the proven pieces to get healthy and deny the rookie his chance. Still, there is an argument that KC should've already given Royals a bigger role based on the regression of Smith-Schuster and Brown.
Both receivers disappeared when the season mattered most, unable to contribute in a meaningful way. Royals at least represented the unknown and is a great example of what has made the Chiefs so frustrating to watch this season. The franchise has preferred to go with the struggling veterans over giving less proven pieces a chance.
However, this appears poised to change on Sunday out of necessity. Kansas City simply is out of healthy options if the injury report is any indication. It also must be considered protecting the future of Rice, who has another two years of his contract remaining, with the expectation being this year's lack of contention is an outlier and Rice will be the primary target for years to come.
For Royals, it is an opportunity to cement their own importance in Kansas City's future plans and make sure there are more snaps headed his way in the season's final two games.