Chiefs Depth Chart: 8 things that matter in the initial release

The Kansas City Chiefs will begin the preseason on Saturday, August 9, facing the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

As part of its weekly release, the team published its first unofficial depth chart of the season. Remember: the depth chart is unofficial — and subject to change throughout the preseason.

Josh Simmons is the starting left tackle

This is not a surprise, but here’s what matters: At this time a year ago, one of the things we noticed was that Kingsley Suamataia was the starting left tackle. This seems like an improvement.

Kingsley Suamataia is the starting left guard

This is also not a surprise. Although Jaylon Moore has rotated in for some snaps at this position during training camp, he’s clearly considered the backup; he’s also been rotating in for Jawaan Taylor at right tackle. At this point — for better or for worse — the job is Suamataia’s to lose.

Skyy Moore could make the team

This chart suggests that the team is looking at Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore and Tyquan Thornton as the top six wide receivers. As a fourth-round draft selection, Jalen Royals will make the roster. If the Chiefs keep seven wideouts — which is certainly possible — Nikko Remgio would be fighting for the last spot, pushing Moore or Thornton off the list. Remember: take the initial unofficial depth chart with a grain of salt.

Robert Tonyan could make the team

The veteran tight end isn’t particularly flashy, but neither was Blake Bell. Kansas City has a role he can play. That could mean Jake Briningstool might spend the season on the Reserve/Injured list. In 2026, we’ll see what he can do.

Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte will play key roles

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo isn’t known for playing rookies, but it appears he’s making an exception for these two defensive linemen. They’re not likely to be starters, but it looks like they’ll have significant playing time as rotational players. Meanwhile, it seems likely that only one of Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Marlon Tuipulotu, Fabien Lovett and Malik Herring will make the opening day roster.

Which players make room for Jeff Bassa?

If the team has five linebackers on the opening roster — like they did in 2024 — this chart suggests the team will have some hard choices to make. Cam Jones, Jack Cochrane and Cole Christensen have all displayed special-teams upside. It’s hard to see a 53-man roster without Bassa — who has also shown special teams ability — so which two of the existing reserve linebackers will have to go?

Kristian Fulton is not on this chart

We presume that this is because the newly signed free-agent cornerback remains on the team’s Active/PUP list — and is, therefore, not expected to play on Saturday. Head coach Andy Reid says that Fulton has started running. That’s good, but the team needs him to be running in practice.

Chamarri Conner is starting ahead of Jaden Hicks

This is a bit of a surprise — but it might be because Conner has been playing in the slot so much as the nickel corner. If that continues to be the case (and it probably will be as long as Fulton isn’t playing), Hicks will still see plenty of playing time across from Bryan Cook.