What to watch in Chiefs-Chargers opener? Check out Josh Simmons and other rookies
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Josh Simmons will debut as the Chiefs’ only rookie starter in the 2025 opener.
- Seven drafted rookies join Kansas City this season; only one remains sidelined.
- Special teams turn to Nikko Remigio and Brashard Smith for reliable return duties.
A trivia question to kick it off:
This is Andy Reid’s 13th season in Kansas City. Name the one rookie selected in the first round, or who was the Chiefs’ first pick in a draft, who did not play in the opening game under Reid. (Find the answer below ...)
The season opener brings a bit of nerves to every player, but especially those seeing their first NFL regular-season action. Left tackle Josh Simmons, the only Chiefs rookie slated to start Friday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, admitted to feeling some some butterflies this week but assured things are under control.
“I think you can cancel those out with preparation,” Simmons said.
Of the Chiefs’ seven drafted rookies, one is certain to not play. Wide receiver Jalen Royals didn’t make the trip to South America while recovering from an injury. He should be ready for next week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte, cornerback Nohl Williams, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and running back Brashard Smith are looking to start their NFL clocks.
In the Reid era, 16 drafted Chiefs rookies have started a season opener. There were two last season: wide receiver Xavier Worthy and left tackle Kingsley Suamataia.
The high water mark is three: In 2021, linebacker Nick Bolton, center Creed Humphrey and guard Trey Smith started.
Travis Kelce in 2013 and Chris Jones and Tyreek Hill in 2016 are among the Chiefs draft picks who did not start the opening game. Kelce was the only member of the team who traveled to Jacksonville for the opener but did not see action.
But only one first-rounder or first pick didn’t play: the No. 10 selection in the 2017 draft, quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Here are the rookie starters in Chiefs’ openers under Reid:
2024: Worthy, Suamataia; 2023: none; 2022: Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis; 2021: Bolton, Humphrey, Smith; 2020: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, L’Jaruis Sneed; 2019: Juan Thornhill; 2018: none; 2017: Kareem Hunt; 2016: Parker Ehinger; 2015: Marcus Peters, Mitch Morse; 2014: Zach Fulton; 2013: Eric Fisher.
Here’s what to watch when the Chiefs meet the Chargers on Friday at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on YouTube TV and on Channel 41 in Kansas City.
Chiefs player to watch: wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster
With wide receiver Rashee Rice sidelined by an NFL suspension until mid-October, Smith-Schuster could be the player whose number gets called more often. Fellow receivers Worthy and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown will get targets, and newcomers Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee could factor in.
But Reid offered a reminder about the team’s most experienced wide receiver — Smith-Schuster.
“He’s in the best shape he’s been in in a long time,” Reid said. “So, he feels good, and we have a lot of trust in him. But most of all, Patrick has a lot of trust in him.”
Chargers player to watch: safety Derwin James Jr.
Here we go again. James has been knocking heads with the Chiefs since his rookie season in 2018, and probably has recorded more assignments against star tight end Travis Kelce than any other defender.
The Chargers call James a nickel, which plays into his versatility. He can line up like a linebacker, a safety or a corner. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, he is a punishing defender, as Kelce could attest after a body-slam tackle in 2022.
Special teams: Chiefs return man Nikko Remigio
Kickoff returns will be a bigger part of the game this season, and Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub deems Remigio trustworthy.
Remigio, a wide receiver, is sure-handed on punts and kickoffs. He’s good at following his blocking and finding holes, although he doesn’t have breakaway speed. Rookie Brashard Smith also will have kickoff-return opportunities.
This story was originally published September 3, 2025 at 1:04 PM.