The Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2026 preseason with a 20-12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Although Kansas City failed to score a touchdown, several players showed positive signs in the preseason opener.

With several key players not playing extended snaps, the game gave younger players an opportunity to make an impression. Here are five Chiefs players who stood out against the Rams.

1. Garrett Nussmeier

Garrett Nussmeier was one of the bright spots of the Chiefs' offense. The rookie QB entered the game in the second quarter, helping the Chiefs move the ball more effectively. He completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards, finishing with an 80.6 passer rating.

According to Marcus D. Smith of USA TODAY, although Nussmeier did not throw a touchdown pass, he showed poise while leading the Chiefs on multiple scoring drives.

His performance gave Kansas City an encouraging look at its young quarterback as the preseason continues.

2. Emmett Johnson

Emmett Johnson provided the Chiefs with their strongest rushing performance of the game. The rookie running back carried the ball 12 times for 59 yards, leading Kansas City in rushing against the Rams.

Unfortunately, Johnson also had a touchdown run wiped out by an offensive holding penalty against Hunter Nourzad. But even though the score did not count, his 59 rushing yards made him one of the more productive Chiefs players on offense.

3. Harrison Butker

Harrison Butker was the Chiefs' only source of points against the Rams. The veteran kicker converted all four of his field-goal attempts, including a 59-yard kick in the third quarter.

Butker's perfect outing kept Kansas City within reach despite its inability to score a touchdown. He later added a 26-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, finishing the night with 12 points.

4. Jaden Hicks

Jaden Hicks stood out on defense with an active performance against the Rams. The safety recorded seven total tackles, the most among Chiefs defenders, and also broke up a pass in the red zone during the first quarter.

His pass breakup helped Kansas City force Los Angeles to settle for a field goal after the Rams had moved inside the 10-yard line. Hicks also made a tackle for loss during another Rams possession, adding to his impact on defense.

5. Jake Briningstool

Jake Briningstool led all Chiefs receivers in the game with 29 receiving yards. The tight end finished with three catches and gave the Kansas City offense another useful option in the passing game.

Briningstool was also involved in one of Nussmeier's productive drives, catching a pass on a tight end screen. While the Chiefs could not turn their drives into touchdowns, his performance was a positive takeaway from the preseason opener.

These performances gave the Chiefs a few positives to take forward from their preseason opener. With more opportunities ahead, each player will look to build on this showing and make his case for a bigger role. 

Which Chiefs player impressed you the most against the Rams? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Arundhoti Palit