Chiefs Evaluate Rookie Running Back Amid Preseason Defeat

The Kansas City Chiefs dropped their preseason opener to the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 20-12 on Sunday. The loss extends the franchise’s preseason losing streak to seven games, underscoring the team’s focus on roster evaluation over securing victories in exhibition matchups.

With starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other core offensive weapons inactive, Head Coach Andy Reid used the contest to assess the team’s depth. Despite the final result, Reid identified a specific bright spot in the performance of rookie running back Emmett Johnson.

“He did a nice job. Ran hard and aggressively. Some yards after contact there, which is a great thing. He’s one of the positives coming out of this…” Reid told reporters following the game.

Johnson, a fifth-round selection out of Nebraska, turned in a versatile performance against the Rams. He recorded 12 carries for 59 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt, and added three receptions for 10 yards. His ability to gain yards after contact stood out to the coaching staff as the Chiefs look to solidify their running back rotation behind free agent acquisition Kenneth Walker III.

On the field, Kansas City’s offense relied heavily on kicker Harrison Butker, who accounted for all 12 of the team’s points. The offensive line struggled with consistency, incurring multiple holding penalties that stalled drives. One promising possession that resulted in a Johnson touchdown run was negated by a penalty, removing points from the board.

The contest primarily served as an opportunity for backups to secure roster spots. While Johnson made a strong case for an increased role, other rookies, such as wide receiver Cyrus Allen, may need more repetitions with the starting offense to demonstrate their readiness for the regular season.

What to watch

Investors and fans should monitor the Chiefs’ injury reports regarding key offensive personnel and the subsequent distribution of carries in the backfield during the remaining preseason schedule. Comcast Corporation, the parent company of NBCUniversal which broadcasts NFL games, continues to hold a market capitalization of approximately $89.4 billion. Source: original release