Today’s preseason game will be very important to watch for a few players on the Chiefs in danger of not making the final roster.
Is Justin Houston finally 100 percent? Is Patrick Mahomes what we hope he will be? Can Alex Smith handle the pressure of having a first-round pick behind him? Can Derrick Johnson bounce back from a second torn achilles? Has the defense improved against the run? Who will start at left guard when the team opens the season at New England?
Those are the bigger questions we’ll be asking as the preseason rolls along, but there are also a myriad of players to watch in the next few weeks as they fight for their professional lives. Several Chiefs are, unfortunately, on the roster bubble, which means playing time and effectiveness is key for Friday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers. Here are three offensive players to watch who can help earn their roster spot with a strong showing tonight:
C.J. Spiller
A former first round pick and Pro Bowl running back, Spiller landed in Kansas City after injuries derailed his career trajectory. Though he is in a backfield with Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West and rookie Kareem Hunt, Spiller has the opportunity to contribute if he still has the juice. His presence is a little reminiscent of Joe McKnight’s time in K.C., when the team carried four backs into the season.
Seantavius Jones
At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, “Stretch” has shown an ability to stretch the field vertically, while making some attention-grabbing catches. In a wide receiver room in need of playmakers following the release of Jeremy Maclin, Jones has made a name for himself early in camp and looks to be in contention for a roster spot.
How Jones plays through the preseason—compared to other young receivers like Jehu Chesson, Demarcus Robinson, Gehrig Dieter and Tony Stevens—and how many receivers the Chiefs decide to keep will determine his status with the team on opening night.
Ross Travis
For two years in a row, Ross Travis has been a playmaker during training camp with the Chiefs. That potential earned him a spot on the opening day roster in 2016, but didn’t translate to much more. He appeared in six games last year, catching three passes for 15 yards. A college basketball player-turned-tight end, Travis has the ability, but must continue improving. Per Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star:
"Travis boasts plus-size and athleticism for the position, to go along with good ball skills, but he’ll need to block better to be a complete tight end."
According to the team’s initial depth chart, Travis is fighting an uphill battle as a fourth-stringer. He still has the opportunity to prove himself through the preseason, and the Chiefs have shown an affinity for multiple tight end sets in the past. What are your thoughts, addicts? Is there anyone else that should be mentioned here? Comment your thoughts below.