Packers vs. Chiefs: The 7 K.C. players with the most at stake

With the Chiefs preparing to face the Packers on Thursday, we present to you the seven players with the most to gain or lose at Arrowhead.

When the Kansas City Chiefs take the field against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, it will be the very last game in a Chiefs uniform for many of the players involved. Roster cuts are due very, very soon in the National Football League, which means Thursday’s slate of games is, in many ways, a desperate exhibition for young men hoping to keep their dreams of playing professional football at the highest level alive.

For the decision-makers, Thursday gives them another chance to see interesting prospects perform under pressure in a game-time simulation. In the bigger scheme of things, it’s a forgettable exhibition (and quite silly that any team could charge expensive prices for tickets just to see third stringers compete for a special teams spot) but these sorts of key moments can pay serious dividends for general managers and scouts with the acumen to see true potential.

Some players could come up big tonight and still not make the active roster simply because of the depth or competition ahead of them. For others, it would be too little too late. That said, for a handful of players, Thursday night is a real chance to turn the tide, to show Brett Veach and the rest of the Chiefs front office that they would truly regret letting them get away.

Here are some players who could make a great case for making the team on Thursday.

Ben Niemann, linebacker

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This case seems to be the most obvious because head coach Andy Reid himself said that Ben Niemann needs a big game on Thursday. It’s amazing that an undrafted free agent linebacker from Iowa has catapulted his way into reporters’ questions and coaches’ answers at this point, but Niemann has put on a serious display this preseasons.

Unfortunately for Niemann, the Chiefs look pretty loaded at linebacker. While neither are fan favorites, the Chiefs seem very fond of both veteran Frank Zombo and Terrance Smith. Dave Toub sings the praises of both, and Reid considers Smith to be very intelligent. They also both already know the scheme, are strong special teams performers and, in Zombo’s case, can fill in as a starter and not be embarrassed. Those are the guys likely on the fringe for the Chiefs—maybe Ukeme Eligwe is there, too—at a position that’s been completely retooled for 2018.

If Niemann can make some more noise with another solid night shedding blockers and getting to the ball, he might force someone’s hand to trade a known quantity for the unknown ceiing of Niemann on the roster.

Chase Litton/Matt McGloin, quarterbacks

Chiefs Kingdom seems pretty sold on undrafted quarterback Chase Litton to date, but it’s a bit telling that the Chiefs haven’t completely cleared the path for Litton to take over the No. 3 quarterback position. In years past, the Chiefs would have four quarterbacks but it was clear that Tyler Bray was No. 3 and Joel Stave was a practice squad player or camp body.

This preseason, the Chiefs could have been giving Litton all of the reps at No. 3 to either speed along his development or to get a better look at what they have on hand. Instead they’re giving serious playing time to McGloin as well which means the coaching staff is interested in seeing what he can do in a new scheme outside of Oakland. His stat line with the Raiders makes it easy to dismiss him as a player, but the Chiefs are curious about something here.

Whoever comes up big tonight could be QB3 moving forward, even if it’s not the unproven prospect everyone already assumes has the job.

Arrion Springs, cornerback

At this point, the Chiefs are waiting for anyone at all to step up in the secondary and force their hand to make a specific decision. The Chiefs could use an assertive young player at cornerback, and Springs could definitely be such a player. It shouldn’t be that hard to surpass the competition provided by Will Redmond and Keith Reaser for a final roster spot, but alas here we are hoping that a guy like Springs can make that leap. He’s flashed potential at times but it’s certainly not an automatic call at this point. It’s also true that another option like D’Montre Wade could make the leap, but Springs has the best chance to move from undrafted to active roster.

Tremon Smith, returner/cornerback

Tremon Smith is already a solid lock for the active roster, but just how much playing time he’s going to get early could depend heavily upon his performance under pressure on Thursday. The Chiefs are giving him every opportunity to soak up reps at returner, where his incredible speed could make a big difference and give him the edge over De’Anthony Thomas. However he’s also a sixth round rookie getting used to the size, speed and demands of the NFL. He’ll start his career in special teams coverage, secondary depth and security at returner, but his potential could be so much higher.

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Gehrig Dieter/Marcus Kemp, wide receiver

At this point, the Chiefs might go with in more obvious directions but they’re keeping a lot of potential off of the active roster if they forgo either Dieter or Kemp when all is said and done. Right now the wide receiver position is likely going to roll six-deep with Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, Chris Conley, De’Anthony Thomas and Jehu Chesson. However fans really like Kemp’s big play ability and Dieter has also shown a lot of chemistry with Patrick Mahomes. A standout performance on Thursday could upset the apple cart, so to speak, and force Veach to have some difficult conversations late into the night.

Did we miss someone? Who else do you think could benefit from a strong performance on Thursday? Sound off in the comments!

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