Chiefs

Photos: Chiefs rookies make NFL debut in preseason loss to Rams

By Dominick Williams and Emily Curiel
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson (10) is tackled in the third quarter during a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson (10) is tackled in the third quarter during a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com

Chiefs Kingdom got its first look at a rebuilt Kansas City Chiefs team in the first preseason game of 2026 against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday afternoon.

The Rams beat the Chiefs 20-12 in the exhibition debut for both teams. There was no Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce or most of the starters — Chris Jones did get one snap, though.

The game was an opportunity for young players to make an impression, and many did. The Star’s Sam McDowell shares five things that stood out in the preseason matchup. And Pete Sweeney reports that Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks had the outing he needed.

See photos of the action from Star photojournalists Emily Curiel and Dominick Williams.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) laugh on the bench during team warmups ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) laugh on the bench during team warmups ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) greets fans before the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) greets fans before the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Emily Curiel
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is back with the team for their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Bieniemy spent time away from the team dealing with a family tragedy in the early weeks of training camp.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is back with the team for their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Bieniemy spent time away from the team dealing with a family tragedy in the early weeks of training camp. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) tries to fight off Los Angeles Rams safety Nick Andersen (45) in the Chiefs vs. Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) tries to fight off Los Angeles Rams safety Nick Andersen (45) in the Chiefs vs. Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields (6) in the first quarter of the Chiefs first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields (6) in the first quarter of the Chiefs first preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) runs the ball and dodges the Los Angeles Rams defense in the first quarter of the preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) runs the ball and dodges the Los Angeles Rams defense in the first quarter of the preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Alex Johnson (36)in the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith (24) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams cornerback Alex Johnson (36)in the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields (6) looks to evade defenders in the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields (6) looks to evade defenders in the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
A young fan stays hydrated during a preseason NFL game between Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
A young fan stays hydrated during a preseason NFL game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) signals for a Chiefs first down in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) signals for a Chiefs first down in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Andrew Armstrong (85) runs the ball downfield in the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Andrew Armstrong (85) runs the ball downfield in the first quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad (64) snaps the ball to Chiefs quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (14) in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad (64) snaps the ball to Chiefs quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (14) in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) cheers from the sidelines in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) cheers from the sidelines in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson (10) tries to push off Los Angeles Rams linebacker Darryl Peterson III (59) in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson (10) tries to push off Los Angeles Rams linebacker Darryl Peterson III (59) in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson (10) pushes a defender off in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson (10) pushes a defender off in the second quarter of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) prepares to snap the ball during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) prepares to snap the ball during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) kneels before the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III (9) kneels before the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end R. Mason Thomas (51) makes a tackle on Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter (27) during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end R. Mason Thomas (51) makes a tackle on Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter (27) during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (31) makes a tackle on Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter (27) during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (31) makes a tackle on Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter (27) during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) runs the ball during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) runs the ball during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kahlil Benson (70) blocks during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Kahlil Benson (70) blocks during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Melvin Smith Jr. (39) celebrates after a special teams tackle during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Melvin Smith Jr. (39) celebrates after a special teams tackle during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid claps during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid claps during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jake Briningstool (88) breaks a tackle during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jake Briningstool (88) breaks a tackle during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) stands on the sideline during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) stands on the sideline during the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
A fan screams during the second half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
A fan screams during the second half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick WIlliams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker (7) kicks a field goal in the second quarter during a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) kicks a field goal in the second quarter during a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) tackles Los Angeles Rams wide receiver CJ Daniels (6) in the second quarter during a preseason NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) tackles Los Angeles Rams wide receiver CJ Daniels (6) in the second quarter during a preseason NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) signals a first down after a catch in the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) signals a first down after a catch in the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (14) throws a pass in the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (14) throws a pass in the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields (6) is all smiles on the sideline in the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Justin Fields (6) is all smiles on the sideline in the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emari Demercado (25) runs with the ball in the second half of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emari Demercado (25) runs with the ball in the second half of the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Aug. 15, 2026. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) calls out a play in the third quarter during a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (19) calls out a play in the third quarter during a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Monty Rice (8) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kevin Knowles (35) and safety DeShon Singleton (25) during an NFL preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Monty Rice (8) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Kevin Knowles (35) and safety DeShon Singleton (25) during an NFL preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jaydn Ott (42) runs the ball in the fourth quarter during an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jaydn Ott (42) runs the ball in the fourth quarter during an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
during an NFL preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87), left, laughs on the sideline during an NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jadon Canady (22) tackles Los Angeles Rams tight end Mark Redman (83) in the third quarter during an NFL preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jadon Canady (22) tackles Los Angeles Rams tight end Mark Redman (83) in the third quarter during an NFL preseason game at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson (10) is tackled in the third quarter during a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson (10) is tackled in the third quarter during a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Kansas City. Emily Curiel ecuriel@kcstar.com
Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt stands on the sideline in the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kansas City Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt stands on the sideline in the first half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com
The referee throws a flag in the second half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium.
The referee throws a flag in the second half of the Chiefs preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams, on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium. Dominick Williams dowilliams@kcstar.com

This story was originally published August 15, 2026 at 7:12 PM with the headline "Photos: Chiefs rookies make NFL debut in preseason loss to Rams."

Profile Image of Dominick Williams
Dominick Williams
The Kansas City Star
Dominick Williams serves as a visual journalist for the Kansas City Star. His journalistic endeavors cover a diverse array of topics, notably sports, breaking news, human interest narratives, and culinary features.
Profile Image of Emily Curiel
Emily Curiel
The Kansas City Star
Emily Curiel, is a visual journalist at The Star. With a broad scope of coverage, Curiel navigates subjects including breaking news, sports, features and long-form narratives. She is a first-generation graduate from San Francisco State University and a native of Los Angeles.
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