Kansas City initially waived Oladokun with an injury designation before he reverted to injured reserve. The Chiefs have now reached an injury settlement with the QB, officially making him a free agent. His injury ultimately played an important role in the Chiefs’ decision as the organization finalized its 53-man roster.

Oladokun’s departure also confirms an important development inside Kansas City’s quarterback room. While Patrick Mahomes remains the unquestioned starter and Justin Fields has secured the backup role, rookie Garrett Nussmeier has earned his place on the roster after an impressive preseason. The seventh-round pick has gone from a player whose draft stock collapsed to someone now positioned to begin his NFL career behind two established quarterbacks.

Chiefs QB depth chart for 2026

With Chris Oladokun officially out of the picture, the Chiefs have a clear three-quarterback structure heading into the 2026 season. Patrick Mahomes remains at the top, Justin Fields provides experienced depth behind him, and Garrett Nussmeier has earned the final spot after winning the competition for the third quarterback job.

The biggest surprise may be Nussmeier’s rise. Before the 2025 college football season, the LSU quarterback was viewed as a potential top quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft, but an injury-plagued senior season dramatically changed his trajectory. He eventually fell all the way to the seventh round, where Kansas City selected him No. 249 overall. Nussmeier had initially been projected to go much earlier before medical concerns contributed to his slide.

Now, Nussmeier has taken a major step forward by earning a spot on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster. His college résumé still shows why there was so much optimism around him before his final season at LSU, where he threw for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024 before injuries limited his 2025 campaign. Kansas City clearly believes there is enough talent and upside for the rookie to continue developing behind Mahomes and Fields.

Now, however, Mahomes believes the Chiefs are ready to turn the page. The star quarterback has made an impressive recovery from the ACL and LCL injuries that ended his 2025 campaign, and he appears on track to return for Kansas City’s Week 1 matchup against the Denver Broncos. With the season opener approaching, Mahomes is sending a clear message that the Chiefs do not intend to look like the team that disappointed a year ago.

Mahomes’ comments also provide an important clue about Kansas City’s mindset heading into 2026. Rather than trying to simply recreate the team that dominated the NFL for years, the quarterback believes this group can develop its own identity while bringing back the same level of dominance. And with Super Bowl expectations still surrounding Mahomes and the Chiefs, his latest message sounds like a warning to the rest of the league.

Can the Chiefs win the Super Bowl?

Patrick Mahomes believes the Kansas City Chiefs are ready to bounce back during the 2026 NFL season. Although they’re in a very tough AFC West, the quarterback sent a big warning.

“I think it’s just the bad taste that we have from last season. It didn’t go the way we wanted to. Coach Reid talked about that, but, we learned from it. We’ve gotten better. I’ve worked to get to this point right here and be ready to go for the season. I’m just as hungry as everybody. We’re going to go out there with the mindset that we’re going a new version of the Chiefs that goes out there and dominates the same way the old one did.”

That is a significant statement from Mahomes because it shows that the Chiefs are not treating last season as an isolated failure. The 6-11 record exposed problems that had rarely been seen during the Mahomes era, while the quarterback’s knee injury added another layer of adversity. Kansas City now has to prove that the disappointing 2025 season was a setback rather than the beginning of a larger decline.

For Mahomes, the path back begins with his own return to the field. After months of rehabilitation, the quarterback is expected to lead the Chiefs against Denver in Week 1, giving Kansas City an immediate opportunity to show whether this “new version” can live up to his words. If Mahomes is healthy and the team has genuinely learned from last season, the Chiefs could quickly remind the NFL why they remained one of the league’s defining teams for so long.

Jason OTC of OverTheCap, explained that the “The Chiefs restructured the contract of G Trey Smith to gain $12.5M in cap room. This makes the Chiefs in compliance with the cap for the regular season.”

The Kansas City Chiefs needed about $17.6M in cap space to reach regular-season compliance before clearing $12.5M by restructuring right guard Trey Smith’s contract. This leaves the team fully compliant with roughly $13.8 million in working room.

How did the Chiefs erase the salary cap deficit?

They had a small offseason buffer (around $4 million), but once regular season rules kicked in, they were facing a deficit. By converting Smith’s base salary into a signing bonus, they cleared $12.5 million in instant cap space.

Combining their existing baseline and roster cuts, the restructure completely erased the deficit and left them with $13.8 million in total active cap space, which is a highly-strategic number.

The $13.8M is not much, but enough to make Chiefs stronger

Teams need roughly $3M to $5M just to get through a season to cover standard practice squad movements, injury replacements, and game-day elevations. Hence, there is money to spare in that regard.

Because player contracts are prorated weekly, $13.8 million in October or November goes a long way. If a high-profile wide receiver to help Patrick Mahomes or defensive depth piece becomes available at the trade deadline, the Chiefs have enough room to absorb a major remaining salary without needing to force another emergency contract restructure.

Payton made that clear during his media availability on Wednesday, explaining that the Broncos believe Mahomes will be ready just like they expect Bo Nix to start in the Monday Night Football showdown.

“Look, I think, and I’m probably going to say the same for Bo [Nix], you’ve seen enough things where, you know… He’s gonna be 100%, and we’re preparing for him and his best,” Payton said about Mahomes.

“We know how talented he is, and I’m sure he’s attacked the rehab the way Bo has. Completely different injuries, but that’s kind of our approach to it.”

Patrick Mahomes’ injury with the Chiefs

Mahomes is coming back from ACL and LCL tears sustained in December during the Chiefs‘ Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, another division rival.

The quarterback’s recovery during the offseason went to plan, and all signs are pointing towards him being under center when the Chiefs host the Broncos at Arrowhead on September 14.

“He’s going to keep practicing, just like he’s been doing. These are more like training camp practices here these next couple of days (more 1-on-1),” Reid said about Mahomes’ progress on Wednesday, via Charles Goldman of A to Z Sports.

Bo Nix’s injury in Denver

Nix is also coming back from injury, though a different one. The Broncos quarterback fractured his right ankle in the final minutes of Denver’s divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills in January.

Jarrett Stidham started in the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, and even though he couldn’t lead the team to victory, Payton decided to keep him as the Broncos‘ backup quarterback for 2026. Sam Ehlinger will be the third-string QB as Denver expects Nix to start against Mahomes’ Chiefs in Week 1.

“Pass protection. We knew he could run the ball. But the thing we had to see was pass protection for him to be that No. 2 back. You’ve got to be able to do that…,” Reid said on Johnson’s role with Chiefs.

With this development, Brashard Smith appears to be the player most likely to fall down the depth chart. The Chiefs will look to make an impact on the ground, and Patrick Mahomes has the weapons needed to make it happen. This is the Chiefs’ running back depth chart for 2026:

• Kenneth Walker III
• Emmett Johnson
• Brashard Smith

What does Kenneth Walker bring to Chiefs Kingdom?

Kenneth Walker III had a massive rebound year with the Seahawks in 2025, staying healthy for all 17 regular-season games for the first time in his career. As Seattle’s primary lead back, he logged 221 carries for 1,027 rushing yards—averaging a crisp 4.6 yards per carry—and found the end zone 5 times on the ground.

He also proved to be a reliable safety valve in the passing game, hauling in 31 receptions for 282 receiving yards, setting up an explosive postseason run that capped off his Seahawks chapter in legendary fashion.

In the latest Super Bowl, where he was crowned champion and named MVP, Walker played a pivotal role. He finished with 27 carries for 135 rushing yards, without recording a touchdown.

Andy Reid wants to unleash the ground game

The Kansas City Chiefs had a surprisingly sluggish year on the ground in 2025, finishing 25th in the NFL with just 106.6 rushing yards per game and 1,812 total yards on 430 carries (4.2 yards per attempt) with 15 touchdowns. The backfield split work across a heavily rotated rotation—led by Kareem Hunt’s 611 yards—leaving the offense overly reliant on Patrick Mahomes to bail out early-down lulls.

Heading into 2026, Andy Reid is focused on tightening up those numbers by restoring balance to his scheme: establishing greater efficiency on first and second downs, taking pressure off the passing game, and committing to a more physical, explosive run game to keep defenses honest in the red zone.

According to Nate Taylor of ESPN, the Chiefs will keep Jake Briningstool on their 53-man roster. Taylor also reported that “Briningstool, who went undrafted last year, had a strong training camp & was impressive in the preseason as a pass catcher & a willing blocker.”

On the other side, Tre Watson was cut from the team. Hence, Briningstool, who is 23 years old, stands at 6’6″ and weighs around 240 lbs, earned the trust over Watson. Given that Kelce might be retiring soon, Briningstool could get more prominence in the next couple of seasons.

Chiefs TE depth chart for 2026

Travis Kelce is still the undisputed TE1 of the team. However, the Chiefs are previewing a future without him. Kelce is 36 years old and has been regressing for the last couple of years. With his retirement looming, this is how the depth chart is looking:

• Travis Kelce
• Noah Gray
• Jared Wiley
• Jake Briningstool
• Mason Pline

Briningstool’s college stats

Out of Clemson, Briningstool played four years for the Tigers. In 2024, he racked up 530 yards with seven touchdowns. He comes from a blue-chip program and into a top-tier NFL franchise with arguably the best head coach in the league.

Mahomes is returning from the serious knee injury he suffered last season, but his recovery has been extremely encouraging. He has participated fully throughout training camp and has not appeared limited during practices, putting him on track to return for the regular season.

However, Andy Reid has made it clear that Mahomes does not need preseason game reps at this stage. The Chiefs are prioritizing his health and preparation for the regular season rather than exposing their franchise quarterback to unnecessary contact in a meaningless game.

Patrick Mahomes won’t play vs Seahawks

Patrick Mahomes is sitting out against Seattle because the Chiefs have decided not to risk their starting quarterback in the preseason. This is not a setback in his recovery.

In fact, Mahomes has remained on track throughout the summer after suffering ACL and LCL injuries last season. He has participated in training camp and has continued taking first-team reps. The plan from the beginning was to have Mahomes ready for Week 1 rather than force him onto the field during the preseason.

When will Patrick Mahomes return?

Patrick Mahomes is expected to make his return when the Chiefs begin the 2026 regular season against the Denver Broncos. His recovery has progressed well enough that the organization remains confident about his availability, although the final decision will ultimately depend on the coaching and medical staffs.

For now, the Chiefs are giving their star quarterback another night off while the rest of the roster competes for jobs. Garrett Nussmeier will start against the Seahawks, with Kansas City using the preseason finale primarily to evaluate its depth and players fighting for roster spots.

How to watch Chiefs vs Seahawks in the USA

The Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks preseason finale will be available to watch in the United States through Fubo, ESPN Unlimited and NFL+.

Can I watch Chiefs vs Seahawks for free?

Fubo offers a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers, making it the option to check for viewers who want to watch Chiefs vs. Seahawks without paying upfront.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Chiefs vs. Seahawks preseason finale is not about the standings, but it is an important final test before both teams turn their attention to the regular season. Kansas City and Seattle enter Friday’s matchup at 0-2, but the result will have little bearing on what comes next. Instead, the focus is on evaluating players and settling the final roster decisions before the NFL‘s 53-man deadline on August 30.

For the Chiefs, the quarterback position is the headline. Patrick Mahomes will not play, as Andy Reid continues to manage his recovery, while rookie Garrett Nussmeier has been named the starter for the finale. The seventh-round pick has already received significant preseason work, and with Chris Oladokun still dealing with a concussion, Nussmeier could be in line for an extended workload.

Seattle arrives in Kansas City with a different but equally important objective. The reigning Super Bowl champions are using their final preseason game to determine how quickly the roster can be ready for the regular season, with head coach Mike Macdonald emphasizing improvement ahead of the opener. The Seahawks lost 19-16 to Tennessee in their previous preseason game, but Drew Lock, Jacardia Wright and other reserves provided positive signs.

What time is the Chiefs vs Seahawks match?

The Chiefs vs. Seahawks game kicks off on Friday, August 28, at 8:00 PM ET. The game will be played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, with the local kickoff set for 7:00 PM CT.

• Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
• Central Time: 7:00 PM
• Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
• Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

The Chiefs are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season while continuing to rely on their iconic core. Patrick Mahomes remains the centerpiece of the offense, with Travis Kelce once again expected to play a major role as Kansas City attempts to make another deep playoff run.

For Seattle, the challenge is different. The Seahawks enter the season as defending Super Bowl champions and remain one of the NFC’s most dangerous teams. However, the NFL has repeatedly demonstrated how difficult it is to repeat as champion, making another title run an uphill battle.

Who will be starting QB for Chiefs vs Seahawks?

Garrett Nussmeier will be the starting quarterback for the Chiefs against the Seahawks. The rookie is expected to play the entire game as Kansas City gives him one final opportunity to gain valuable experience before the regular season begins.

Patrick Mahomes will receive the night off as the Chiefs prioritize keeping their franchise quarterback healthy. There is also expected to be no preseason action for Justin Fields or Chris Oladokun.

That makes Nussmeier’s performance particularly important. With Mahomes already established as the unquestioned starter, the biggest question surrounding Kansas City’s quarterback room is what the final roster will look like behind him.

The Chiefs must determine whether they are willing to carry four quarterbacks or whether one of their passers will have to be exposed to the practice-squad process. That decision could become one of the more interesting roster questions before the regular-season deadline.

Who will start at QB for Seahawks vs Chiefs?

Jalen Milroe will be the starting quarterback for the Seahawks against the Chiefs, and head coach Mike Macdonald has confirmed that he is expected to play the entire game.

That means Seattle’s projected top two quarterbacks will remain on the sideline. Sam Darnold will receive a preseason rest day, while Drew Lock is also expected to sit out.

The decision reflects the Seahawks’ confidence in their quarterback situation heading into the regular season. Darnold has already established himself as the team’s franchise quarterback after helping Seattle win the Super Bowl, while Lock provides veteran depth behind him.

Per Charles Goldman of AtoZSports, Reid said, “He’s doing great… literally taking it day-by-day. If trainers, doctors, and everybody give him the OK… and he feels OK…“ All in all, it looks like a positive for the team.

Basically, if there is no setback, Mahomes will play vs. Broncos in Week 1. Mahomes tore his ACL on December 14, 2025, during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chiefs were having a bad season, but the injury relegated them to miss the playoffs.

The Chiefs’ record without Mahomes

Mahomes became the starter in 2018, and since then, he’s been usually available and making magic for the Chiefs. However, since he got the job, the Chiefs rely too much in him. From 2018 to 2025, the Chiefs are 2-6 when Mahomes doesn’t start or play for the team.

The Chiefs brought Justin Fields and drafted Garrett Nussmeier to have reliable backups if Mahomes suffers a setback or reinjures himself. However, at least for the moment, Mahomes will be available to start the season.

What is Mahomes’ record vs Broncos?

The Chiefs really hope Mahomes can suit up and play vs. the Broncos because he has dominated this team at will since entering the NFL. In fact, Mahomes has a 13-2 record vs. Broncos which is high-rate efficiency.

This will be a particularly interesting appearance for Mayfield because it marks his first preseason action since the Buccaneers’ contract-extension situation became a major storyline. Tampa and their quarterback were unable to reach an agreement on a new long-term deal, and Baker has made it clear that he will not continue negotiating during the 2026 season.

That means Baker Mayfield is playing the 2026 season in the final year of his current contract, setting up the possibility of free agency in 2027. For now, though, the focus is on football, and Saturday’s matchup against the Chiefs will give Mayfield his first opportunity to get live-game reps in Tampa Bay’s new-look offense.

Will Baker Mayfield play against the Chiefs?

Yes. Baker Mayfield is expected to start the game and play approximately one or two series for the Bucs against the Chiefs. Todd Bowles indicated that the Buccaneers’ starters should receive somewhere between eight and 15 plays, depending on how the game unfolds.

That limited workload is designed to give the starters some valuable game-speed work without exposing them to unnecessary preseason risk. Once Mayfield leaves the field, the Buccaneers will turn their attention to the competition behind him. Jake Browning is expected to receive an opportunity, with Connor Bazelak and Jalon Daniels also part of the battle for the backup quarterback job.

Who will replace Baker Mayfield at quarterback?

Jake Browning has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the No. 2 job and will have another opportunity to strengthen his case against Kansas City. The veteran quarterback has experience in the NFL and is competing with both Bazelak and Daniels for the backup role.

Bazelak is also expected to see action as the Bucs continue evaluating their quarterback depth. He has remained in the mix, but the competition became even more interesting after Jalon Daniels impressed during the preseason opener against the Jets.

Daniels, who signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent this offseason, has drawn attention from the coaching staff for his poise and ability to make plays with his legs.

Baker Mayfield’s contract situation adds another layer

Mayfield’s appearance against the Chiefs comes with an intriguing backdrop. The Buccaneers have not been able to give their quarterback the contract extension he was looking for, while Mayfield has decided to put negotiations aside and focus on the 2026 season.

The quarterback enters the final year of his deal, and unless the situation changes, he could reach free agency after the season. That gives every game additional importance as Mayfield looks to demonstrate his value on the field while the Bucs determine how far they’re willing to go to keep him beyond 2026.

For now, Mayfield’s immediate goal is much simpler: get his work in, stay healthy and help the Buccaneers prepare for the regular season. His first appearance against the Chiefs should provide a brief but important glimpse of where he stands heading into a season that could have major consequences for his future in Tampa Bay.