The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves out of the playoff chase after a challenging and somewhat disappointing 2025 season. This situation has prompted the team to potentially use their final three games as a crucial opportunity to evaluate and develop emerging young talents. But here’s where it gets controversial: should teams intentionally give playing time to rookies and backups in games that no longer impact their postseason goals? This question often sparks debate among fans and analysts alike.
Ahead of Thursday’s practice, assistant coaches spoke about several of the team’s younger players, though their comments didn’t provide concrete answers about who might step into larger roles in these concluding weeks. Still, the focus on these players highlights the importance of development and assessment during a season’s end.
1. Wide Receiver Jalen Royals
Although Royals, selected in the fourth round, initially drew attention during training camp, he was sidelined early on with a knee injury. Since Rashee Rice, the team’s primary wideout, rejoined the lineup from suspension in Week 7, Royals has almost never been part of the active game-day roster. Now, with Rice recovering from a concussion and sidelined for the upcoming game against the Tennessee Titans, Royals’ chances of getting some playing time have increased.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy expressed interest in seeing more of Royals on the field, noting, “We want to get him more involved if possible. The team has been fortunate with the depth we’ve had since Rashee’s return, so Royals has mostly been a practice squad player or a designated redshirt. But he’s practicing diligently and shows promise. I’m excited to see what he can bring in these final games or even beyond this season.”
2. Linebacker Jeff Bassa
Coaches Steve Spagnuolo and Brendan Daly commented on Bassa’s limited playing time on defense, which mainly reflects the strong depth ahead of him. His main contributions so far have been on special teams, which coaches see as a sign of his growing value.
Spagnuolo mentioned, “Jeff’s been playing special teams, and we haven't had a reason to rotate other players out. Of course, we hope everyone stays healthy. I believe in Jeff’s potential; I talked to him recently, and he’s developing well as a weak-side linebacker.”
Daly added, “While most of his role has been on special teams, Jeff remains very engaged with our defensive schemes. He communicates well and understands different roles he might be asked to play. We’ve been fortunate that injuries haven’t pushed him into significant game action yet, but I’ve been pleased with his effort and development. He’s dedicated, asks good questions, and studies the game actively. Both Jeff and others like him have promising futures.”
3. Linebacker Cooper McDonald
Though the undrafted rookie has yet to see extensive action in the defensive lineup, Daly highlighted his consistent preparedness and positive attitude.
“I really like Cooper,” Daly said. “He’s done some impressive things, especially during preseason, which helped him earn a spot on our roster. He’s also been effective on special teams. I won't speak on behalf of Dave Toub, but Cooper has performed well there too.”
Daly emphasized that while McDonald’s defensive opportunities have been limited, his hard work and multiple roles demonstrate his mental resilience and potential. “He’s stayed sharp early every day, keeps himself ready, and is versatile enough to contribute in different spots. There’s definitely a bright future for him and other young players like Jeff.”
4. Cornerback Kevin Knowles
Special teams coach Dave Toub has been particularly impressed with rookie corner Kevin Knowles, a former Florida State standout. Toub has expressed a desire to keep Knowles involved primarily on special teams a bit longer before transitioning him into a bigger role on defense.
Toub shared, “I’m genuinely excited about Kevin. Every week he makes impactful plays—like his big hit on the kickoff return, which was remarkable. He plays with speed, toughness, and fearlessness. He's fast, tough, and works hard. We’re counting on him more as a corner, and I anticipate he’ll have a significant role next year, if not sooner.”
5. Defensive Tackle Zacch Pickens
Recently, Pickens was activated from the practice squad to the main roster. Drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears and now with the Chiefs, he might see some playing time in the final three games. However, coach Spagnuolo noted that nothing is set in stone.
He explained, “We’ll see how it goes. We’ve brought him up to the 53-man roster. It’s an opportunity to evaluate him in game situations, but our primary goal remains to prevent points from Tennessee’s offense.”
In conclusion: With the season winding down and playoff hopes fading, the Chiefs are taking a strategic look at their young players to determine future roles and development potential. Offering these rookies and developing backups a chance to shine can not only influence the team’s future but also test their readiness for more responsibility. Do you believe giving younger players extended play in losing seasons is valuable or a missed opportunity? Share your thoughts below—your opinion might ignite a new perspective on team-building in the NFL.
