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 rests a cluster of veterans in Week 2 of the preseason against Seattle, clearing a path for depth players and late-round prospects to audition behind Hollywood Brown, Briningstool, Deon Bush, Janarius Robinson, Ethan Driskell, and Kareem Hunt. Seattle mirrors the strategy, listing Olu Oluwatimi, Josh Ross, Charles Cross, Kenny McIntosh, Johnathan Hankins, Uchenna Nwosu, and Tyrice Knight as not expected to play. In such games, the fantasy angles shift toward the players fighting for backups, special-teams roles, and breakout opportunities in a game-script that emphasizes depth over stars.

With Brown and Hunt sidelined, Chiefs reps at wideout and backfield become more unpredictable, elevating backup receivers and rotational backs into potential late-round fantasy dice rolls. Seattle’s inactive list creates a similar vacuum along the offensive line and linebacking corps, where a few veterans could be eased in or pushed to star in a run-heavy, evaluative environment. Those watching for fantasy return value should focus on the depth chart movers who flash in extended opportunities, as preseason reps often foreshadow emerging roles come the regular season.

Keep in mind preseason inactives are subject to change and aren’t formalized the same way as regular-season lists. Rosters and playing time can shift an hour before kickoff, underscoring the value of quickly updating projections as the game unfolds.

The Kansas City Chiefs are shaping up for an exciting season, particularly with their tight end position, where rookie Jake Briningstool has made a significant impression. During a recent training camp session, he demonstrated his potential by catching a touchdown pass from the star quarterback Patrick Mahomes while working with the first-team offense. This performance puts him into contention for a spot on the 53-man roster, especially as the Chiefs evaluate their roster depth ahead of the upcoming season.

Despite the dominance of veteran Travis Kelce, Briningstool's ability to shine in practice showcases his potential value to the team. The competition for tight ends in Kansas City is fierce, but Briningstool's recent display may have cemented his place as a serious candidate for a roster spot. As the Chiefs prepare for their season, all eyes will be on how this rookie develops and if he can carve out a role alongside the established stars.

Jake Briningstool, the tight end from Clemson, is making headlines in Kansas City as he joins the Chiefs, a team that has historically relied on elite tight end play. His arrival is generating a buzz among fantasy football enthusiasts, particularly given the Chiefs’ offensive scheme which has previously thrived with Travis Kelce dominating the position. Briningstool's athleticism and route-running skills suggest he could carve out a significant role in Kansas City, especially with defenses focused on Kelce.

As the season progresses, Briningstool's performance will be closely monitored. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his usage in the offense, as he possesses the potential to be a sleeper pick in drafts. If he can establish chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Briningstool could emerge as a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.

Jake Briningstool, the newly signed tight end from the Kansas City Chiefs, aims to enhance his contributions after a disappointing draft performance. Despite underwhelming athletic metrics causing him to go undrafted, his film from Clemson indicates potential as a valuable asset, particularly in red zone situations. Briningstool's size (6'5 5/8") creates mismatches against defenders, especially in one-on-one scenarios. His burst in short-yardage routes can help him exploit coverage gaps, primarily against linebackers. As he gears up for the upcoming season, his development will be crucial as the Chiefs look to optimize their tight end usage alongside established stars like Travis Kelce.