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.

The Kansas City Chiefs' special teams coordinator, Dave Toub, expressed pride in his team's resilience amid significant injuries this season. Key losses include kickers Harrison Butker and Matthew Wright, returners Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore, and captain Jack Cochrane. Toub emphasized Cochrane's leadership, noting that despite a fractured ankle, he remains engaged by attending meetings and providing insights. Toub affectionately refers to him as 'Coach Cochrane,' hinting at a potential coaching future.

As the Chiefs prepare for Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, Toub believes Cochrane's contributions will continue to impact the team's special teams strategy.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs are both grappling with significant injury issues ahead of their Christmas Day matchup. Key players like Chris Jones and Xavier Worthy have been sidelined, raising concerns about their availability for the game.

As the Chiefs aim to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC, they may consider resting injured players to prevent further complications. Meanwhile, the Steelers are looking to bounce back from a two-game losing streak and regain momentum in the AFC North.