These are the Kansas City Chiefs who stand to see more playing time in L.A. on Sunday
Have your Chiefs numerical roster handy on Sunday.
It’s likely you’ll see uniform numbers not normally on the field as the Chiefs dig into their two- and three-deep for playing time against the Chargers in Los Angeles.
With a playoff position secured for the Chiefs, head coach Andy Reid said this week that Blaine Gabbert would be the starting quarterback, giving Patrick Mahomes a week to rest and prepare for the postseason.
In similar circumstances in past years, the Chiefs not only changed their quarterback, but several other starters. In 2020, nearly every player on the inactive list the previous week started the Chiefs’ season finale.
Who might that be on Sunday? Among last week’s inactives were defensive linemen Neil Farrell, Malik Herring and rookie B.J. Thompson and cornerback Nic Jones. Thompson and Jones were part of the Chiefs’ 2023 NFL Draft class; Thompson could see his first NFL action.
Many of the playing-time candidates for Sunday’s game, such as linebackers Jack Cochrane and Cam Jones, have logged several special teams snaps, and that won’t change if they’re summoned for duty on defense.
“There might be some guys who play 80 plays this game,” Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub said. “You’ve got to dig down and go. That’s the way it’s got to be.”
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagunolo mentioned other candidates for more snaps, like linebacker Leo Chanel and safety Deon Bush. Also in that group is defensive end and first round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
The Kansas State product who grew up in Lee’s Summit has appeared in every game this season, but his defensive snaps decreased after the Chiefs’ sixth game, when Charles Omenihu’s suspension ended. Now, Anudike-Uzomah figures to see his most extensive playing time in a couple of months.
“Felix was thrown into the fire early, and it was an opportunity to show who he really was,” Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen said.
Early in the season, Anudike-Uzomah was used primary as a third-down pass rusher. When Omenihu returned, the Chiefs were solid at the position, with a group that includes George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Tershawn Wharton and Chris Jones (when he moved to the outside).
It became difficult to find snaps for Anudike-Uzomah.
“It was tough to get another body in there,” Cullen said. “But he’s doing a great job and he’ll get playing time this week.”
Gabbert said he expects wide receivers Justyn Ross, Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman to play more. And running back La’Mical Perine, who has played five snaps in two games, figures to see plenty of action, as should offensive linemen Nick Allegretti, Lucas Niang and Mike Caliendo. Reid said third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun would be ready to go Sunday, if needed. The second-year pro has yet to play in an NFL game.
No matter who is on the field, the objective won’t change.
“This is no less important (as a) game,” Reid said. “It’s just different guys in important positions. ... You just don’t throw these games out. That’s not what we’re doing. We want to play well.”