What we learned from Kansas City Chiefs’ 34-21 preseason loss to Chicago Bears
(Note: Here is our KC Star Chiefs’ 53-man roster projection.)
There was a clear winner for the Kansas City Chiefs in their 34-21 preseason loss to the Chicago Bears.
And that was rookie running back Carson Steele.
In an otherwise bland outing for the Chiefs on Thursday night, the UCLA product stood out during a dominant stretch in the second quarter. He broke multiple tackles and executed a nasty stiff-arm on defender DeAndre Carter for consecutive 18- and 32-yard runs, then plunged in for a 1-yard score on the next play while pumping his arms toward the crowd.
The plays impressed Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, who was in the Chiefs Radio Network booth doing an interview during that drive. Veach said after the 32-yard run that he was “happy for the kid. He’s been doing it all camp. You talk about guys that make the decisions for us, right? That’s a great case in point right there.”
KC’s third preseason game also was a final opportunity for bubble guys to make their claim for a spot on the 53-man roster.
The Chiefs, to be honest, probably didn’t get as much clarity there as they might’ve hoped.
Cornerback Kelvin Joseph had an inconsistent first half with a pair of holding penalties. Receiver Justyn Ross had two catches for 16 yards but also appeared to line up in the wrong spot on one play that forced a Chiefs timeout.
A few players just trying to get some work in struggled as well. Second-year tackle Wanya Morris whiffed on an early block attempt to allow a QB pressure, then later injured his knee and didn’t return.
Cornerback Jaylen Watson also had a rough outing in his first preseason game following offseason labrum surgery, getting turned around a few times in coverage against the Bears’ backups.
Chiefs coach Andy Reid followed through on his promise of resting his starters, which meant players like quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce played the part of sideline spectators.
KC, meanwhile, had some big news break before the game, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the team agreed to a new deal with center Creed Humphrey for a four-year, $72 million extension that will guarantee him $50 million.
“We’ll put pen to paper soon, but needless to say we’re extremely excited to continue Creed’s career here,” Veach said in a televised interview on 38 The Spot during the game.
Veach previewed the deal in an interview with The Star earlier this month, saying KC was working on deals for kicker Harrison Butker and Humphrey, who were the team’s top priorities. Butker agreed to a new four-year pact with the Chiefs on Aug. 5.
Receiver Cornell Powell and tight end Baylor Cupp had the Chiefs’ other touchdowns, adding receiving scores in the fourth quarter.
Final player decisions are due soon. KC must cut its roster to 53 by 3 p.m. Central Tuesday.
The Chiefs open the NFL’s regular season with a Sept. 5 home game against the Baltimore Ravens.
This story was originally published August 22, 2024 at 10:39 PM.
