The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for their final preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Friday night, treating it as a critical dress rehearsal for the regular season, which kicks off against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil on September 5, 2025. However, in a surprising turn of events, head coach Andy Reid has announced that seven players will be sidelined for this crucial matchup, potentially impacting the final roster decisions as the team fine-tunes its lineup.
According to Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick, the players ruled out for the Bears game are wide receiver Jalen Royals, tight end Jake Briningstool, offensive tackle Ethan Driskell, linebacker Jack Cochrane, safety Mike Edwards, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson, and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott. This announcement, made on August 20, 2025, has raised eyebrows as the Chiefs prepare for their season opener, with several of these players vying for key roles or roster spots.
Key Absences and Their Implications
Among the most notable names on the injury list is fourth-round draft pick Jalen Royals, a wide receiver who has turned heads during Chiefs training camp with several standout plays. Royals is widely considered to have a roster spot secured, but missing this final preseason game could hinder his momentum as he aims to carve out a significant role in Kansas City’s dynamic offense early in the season. His absence may give other receivers an opportunity to shine, potentially reshaping the depth chart.
Another rookie, second-round defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, is also sidelined. Norman-Lott has been pushing for a rotational role behind veteran Mike Pennel, and missing valuable game reps could slow his development as he competes for playing time in a competitive defensive line group. His absence may allow other depth players to make a case for a roster spot, intensifying the battle along the defensive front.
Undrafted free agent (UDFA) tight end Jake Briningstool, who signed with the Chiefs out of Clemson, has been plagued by injuries throughout the offseason, limiting his ability to showcase his potential. This latest setback further jeopardizes his chances of making the 53-man roster, as the tight end position remains highly competitive.
Linebacker Jack Cochrane and cornerback Nazeeh Johnson, both injured in the Chiefs’ second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, are also out. Cochrane suffered a knee injury, while Johnson sustained a shoulder injury late in the first half. Both players were in contention for depth roles on defense and special teams, and their absence could open the door for other fringe players to solidify their cases before final roster cuts.
Safety Mike Edwards and offensive tackle Ethan Driskell round out the list of absences. Edwards, a veteran presence in the secondary, and Driskell, a depth piece on the offensive line, will miss out on valuable reps as the Chiefs evaluate their final roster composition.
Andy Reid says players who won’t go against Chicago are: WR Jalen Royals, TR Jake Briningstool, OT Ethan Driskell, LB Jack Cochrane, S Mike Edwards, CB Nazeeh Johnson and DT Omarr Norman-Lott.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) August 20, 2025
Chiefs’ Plan Moving Forward
While the absence of these seven players leaves Kansas City shorthanded for Friday’s game, the Chiefs remain confident in their ability to prepare for the regular season. Head coach Andy Reid has confirmed that the team’s starters will play in the game, though the duration of their participation remains unclear. This final preseason contest serves as a critical opportunity for Kansas City to fine-tune its game plan and evaluate players on the roster bubble.
With the regular season just weeks away, the Chiefs are focused on ensuring their core players are in peak form for the Brazil opener against the Chargers. The injuries to Royals, Norman-Lott, and others may force the coaching staff to adjust their evaluations, potentially reshaping the final 53-man roster in unexpected ways. Players lower on the depth chart now have a golden opportunity to step up and prove their worth in this pivotal preseason finale.
What’s at Stake?
The Chiefs’ final preseason game is about more than just tuning up for the regular season—it’s a make-or-break moment for many players fighting for a spot on the roster. With seven key contributors sidelined, others will have a chance to shine under the bright lights at Arrowhead Stadium. The performances in this game could have a ripple effect, influencing not only the final roster but also the roles and expectations for the 2025 season.
As Kansas City prepares to face the Bears, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to these absences and which players seize the moment to secure their future with the defending champions. The road to the regular season is paved with tough decisions, and this injury report has added a new layer of intrigue to the Chiefs’ roster puzzle.