Kansas City faces linebacker depth questions as notable vets hit free agency, with Cam Jones, Cole Christiansen, Leo Chenal, and Jack Cochrane in play. Nick Bolton was extended and Jeffrey Bassa was added, but KC still needs more talent by 2026. Wisconsin’s Christian Alliegro rose from backup to starter, showing ideal length and downhill speed that could land him in late top-100 consideration, though coverage instincts are still developing.

Kansas City rests a handful of veterans in Week 3 preseason against Chicago, with several depth pieces not slated to play. Chiefs inactive list includes Nazeeh Johnson, Jake Briningstool, Jack Cochrane, Omarr Norman-Lott, Ethan Driskell, plus Jaylen Royals and Mike Edwards. Chicago mirrors that approach, keeping Deion Hankins, Jaylon Johnson, Terell Smith, Shaun Wade, Kyler Gordon, Austin Booker and Dominique Robinson sidelined. Inactives emphasize rest and evaluation over injury, and rosters must disclose who sits about 90 minutes before kickoff. Fantasy takeaway: this is the weekend to watch untested backups seize reps and potentially carve roles behind the top units.

Expect Briningstool and Cochrane to get looks that could foreshadow later usage, while Norman-Lott and Driskell bubble up opportunities on the Chiefs’ interior line and depth chart. For Chicago, the absence of the starting DBs sharpens the spotlight on reserve corners and versatile linemen, which can tilt snap shares for those chasing late-round DFS angles. In other words, Week 3 becomes a stage for rookies and depth players to prove themselves and potentially alter late-season fantasy plans.

Overall, the matchup serves as a practical lab for evaluating depth and future rotation shifts, with inactives signaling thoughtful rest rather than injury. Both franchises leverage the game to test cohesion and identify hidden value among backups, a reminder that preseason results often illuminate future fantasy opportunities more than box-score highlights.

Chiefs prep for the preseason finale vs. Chicago with a growing list of injuries and a clear shift in how starters will be used in Week 3. Reid aims to balance timing and health, giving starters some reps while protecting key veterans ahead of Week 1 in Brazil against the Chargers.

Out for Friday are Briningstool, Cochrane, Driskell, Edwards, Nazeeh Johnson, Omarr Norman-Lott and Jalen Royals, with Fulton a potential returnee. Brown remains day-to-day after a foot/ankle issue. The injury chart tightens depth at TE, CB, and on the o-line, while the club emphasizes rhythm and proximity to the season opener.

Fantasy implications center on who steps up for Week 1 when Brown’s status is uncertain and CB depth is in flux. The plan prioritizes timing and execution, suggesting late-round flier opportunities at wideout and tight end, plus a watchful eye on back-end defensive roles as the opener in Brazil approaches.

Kansas City opened Week 1 of the 2025 NFL preseason with a 20-17 loss at State Farm Stadium as the Cardinals stayed within striking distance behind a shaky night from KC’s depth. Patrick Mahomes connected on an early TD pass to cushion a backup-heavy drive, but a string of turnovers by third-string Bailey Zappe and untimely penalties derailed late Chiefs possessions. KC’s defense produced a spark, as Chris Roland-Wallace and Jaden Hicks intercepted passes, while Janarius Robinson logged the lone sack and Jack Cochrane forced a fumble on the opening kickoff. This outing underscores depth-chart questions for fantasy managers: the Chiefs’ backups aren’t set yet, and Week 1 regular-season workload for the starters could influence lineup decisions.

Arizona’s defense held firm enough to keep the game tight, and the Cardinals’ late stops left KC with a reminder that preseason results don’t count toward the regular season record. For fantasy players, the takeaway centers on how KC manages its QB room and which depth options emerge as viable stashes. The contest also highlighted immediate IDP opportunities for KC’s second unit, with interceptions and a sack from role players signaling potential early-season value if injuries or rotations create opportunities.

The Kansas City Chiefs have re-signed linebacker Jack Cochrane, solidifying a key part of their special teams unit ahead of the upcoming NFL draft. Cochrane, who joined the Chiefs as a free agent after the 2022 draft, has been instrumental in their success, contributing to two Super Bowl victories since joining the team. Over his three seasons with Kansas City, he has accumulated 42 tackles in 47 games, primarily excelling in special teams roles.

Despite starting just one game, Cochrane's experience has been invaluable, especially with his 895 special team snaps. As the Chiefs gear up for the 2025 season, it will be interesting to see how head coach Andy Reid integrates Cochrane into their defensive schemes, particularly under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's system.