The Kansas City Chiefs will look to finish their preseason schedule on a high note with a win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. After suffering a heartbreaking defeat in their first exhibition matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City bounced back to beat the Arizona Cardinals last week in a blowout win.
While many Chiefs are likely to see limited action in Saturday’s tilt, others will be fighting for a spot on Kansas City’s 53-man roster in their final preseason dress rehearsal for the team’s 2023 campaign.
Keep your eye on these six Chiefs on Saturday in Kansas City’s preseason finale against the Browns at Arrowhead Stadium:
QB Shane Buechele
Buechele has warranted a spot on Kansas City’s roster ahead of the 2023 season but it is unclear if he has done enough to unseat Blaine Gabbert for the coveted backup role behind Patrick Mahomes. Expect Buechele to put together another masterful performance against Cleveland as he tries his best to outdo the seasoned veteran in his final preseason appearance.
DB Kahlef Hailassie
Hailassie has been one of Kansas City’s top preseason performers and has proven to be a valuable prospect for the Cheifs’ secondary. He is a candidate to sneak onto the team’s 53-man roster, and with another standout showing against the Browns, could warrant a spot on Kansas City’s depth chart for the 2023 regular season.
WR Justyn Ross
Ross has become a fan-favorite in Kansas City and there may be riots if he isn’t rostered by the Chiefs for the 2023 season. He was held to just two catches on four targets last week against the Cardinals but could climb the depth chart if he can make some magic happen on Saturday.
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Edwards-Helaire has seen his role in the Chiefs offense dwindle since Isiah Pacheco became Kansas City’s top running back last season, but his value to the team may rise with a big game against the Browns. Though he is unlikely to earn more playing time in the Chiefs’ crowded backfield, a strong showing could make teams around the league interested in a trade for the former first-round pick.
LB Cole Christiansen
Christiansen has led Kansas City in tackles in both of their first two preseason games and has a chance to earn a key role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense with another productive outing on Saturday. Though he won’t push Nick Bolton, Willie Gay, or Drue Tranquill for a starting spot, Christiansen’s utility as a backup could be a boon for the Chiefs’ hopes of championship defense in 2023.
OL Jason Godrick
Godrick was a wildcard for the Chiefs heading into training camp but has proven that he can hold his own during both of Kansas City’s exhibition matchups in August. He had never played organized football before the Chiefs’ preseason Week 1 game against the Saints and has shown exceptional proficiency as a blocker in limited action.
