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.

The Steelers opened the season with Kaleb Johnson drafted to upgrade the backfield after Najee Harris left in free agency, but early signals paint a cautious picture. Johnson lacks elite burst yet shows patience and vision, which has sparked comparisons to Harris’ former role rather than a clean replacement. In training camp and one preseason game, there’s an impression Johnson isn’t an instant explosive upgrade. Jaylen Warren looms as the wild card, with the chance to bring the burst the Steelers need if Johnson isn’t delivering. Fantasy managers should watch how the committee shakes out in the remaining preseason games and consider Warren’s potential big-week upside if Johnson takes a slower path to lead-back duties.

Brooke Pryor echoed the sentiment publicly, framing Kaleb Johnson as Harris 2.0 and stirring conversations about whether the Steelers replaced Harris with a back who can outpace him. The run game’s immediate trajectory remains uncertain, hinging on Johnson’s ability to turn patience and vision into consistent yardage, and on Warren’s role providing the pop the offense sorely could use. With two more preseason games left, the backfield cadence, goal-line touches, and whether Johnson can generate a legitimate early-season floor will determine how fantasy owners position Pittsburgh’s runners in deeper leagues and DFS lineups.

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for a significant overhaul in their secondary as several cornerbacks are slated to hit free agency after the 2024 season. Nazeeh Johnson, Jaylen Watson, and Joshua Williams have each logged over 1,450 snaps, contributing to a defense that has performed well in both regular season and playoffs. The Chiefs must act quickly to solidify their cornerback position to maintain defensive strength moving forward.

Among potential replacements, Arizona State's Keith Abney II emerges as a viable prospect. Known for his quickness and agility on the field, Abney could complement the existing defensive unit. With the Chiefs focusing on bolstering their secondary, it's crucial to evaluate both current players and incoming talent to ensure a seamless transition.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Nazeeh Johnson recently celebrated a personal milestone, marrying his girlfriend Gabrielle Irving. The wedding, attended by teammates Isiah Pacheco, Joshua Williams, and Deon Bush, signifies an important moment in Johnson's life, especially following his recovery from a torn ACL that impacted his performance. Johnson's journey as a former seventh-round pick has seen him evolve into a valuable player for the Chiefs.

Irving praised Johnson's commitment both on and off the field, highlighting their strong partnership. This milestone comes at a crucial time as the Chiefs gear up for training camp, emphasizing the blend of personal and professional growth for players during the offseason.

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to showcase their defensive prowess as four of their players have firmly established themselves among the top 10 in coverage during the past season. Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Nazeeh Johnson, and Jaylen Watson have demonstrated impressive physicality and skill in their coverage, contributing significantly to the team's success. This highlights the Chiefs' commitment to bolstering their secondary and underscores the depth of talent within their defensive lineup.