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While the Kansas City Chiefs typically value preseason snaps for starters, the Los Angeles Rams rarely use preseason for their first-team players.
It would make for an exciting preseason opener, with defensive end Myles Garrett and quarterback Matthew Stafford on the other side of the field. However, quarterback Patrick Mahomes won’t be starting, and neither will Stafford. The Chiefs will be starting backup quarterback Justin Fields against a former National Championship-winning quarterback.
Stetson
Bennett to start for Rams on Saturday vs. Chiefs | Pro Football Talk
Rams rookie quarterback Ty Simpson will make his preseason debut on Saturday against the Chiefs. But he will not be Los Angeles’ first signal-caller up.
Via multiple reporters, head coach Sean McVay said in his Thursday press conference that Stetson Bennett will start the preseason opener.
Bennett, a fourth-round pick in 2023, is currently in line to serve as Matthew Stafford’s backup, as Jimmy Garoppolo was not re-signed in free agency — though Garoppolo is still available.
Jalen Royals, wide receiver There’s a common expression in the early stages of training camp, particularly when an under-the-radar player makes a few plays.
Wait until the pads come on.
Jalen Royals is the inverse.
He struggled to get going here in St. Joseph over the first several practices, but he has actually been better since the pads came on. His best week is the one leading into this game.
Five Observations from Thursday’s Practice | Chiefs Training Camp 8/13 | The Mothership
2. Wide receiver Rashee Rice had a busy day with several catches during the “offensive” portions of practice.
Rice was targeted early and often during Thursday’s practice, particularly on intermediate throws over the middle of the field. The timing of his routes was in lockstep with quarterback Patrick Mahomes throughout the session.
In addition to Rice, Mahomes found tight end Travis Kelce, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, tight end Noah Gray and wide receiver Xavier Worthy for completions across the various “offensive” periods of practice.
Cyrus Allen’s preseason reps will reveal his role
Rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen has flashed during camp, though he’s also dealt with some bumps and bruises. The preseason will be telling. How the Chiefs handle Allen’s workload will probably say a lot about what they envision for him during the 2026 NFL season.
If he’s only out there for a couple of reps, that signals Kansas City wants to protect him and keep him healthy. Dave Toub mentioned that he wants to see Allen as a kick returner, but that it’d be up to Coach Reid.
Chiefs Star Chris Jones on Rookie DT Peter Woods: ‘He’s Strong as an Ox‘ | Sports Illustrated
While Woods has been labeled as having “a ways to go” by DC Steve Spagnuolo and HC Andy Reid, his raw talent has stood out during training camp. He has done a solid job of inserting himself into the defensive tackle rotation alongside Jones and Khyiris Tonga.
On Thursday, Jones was one of the Kansas City players who spoke to the media after padded practice. The future Hall of Famer sang Woods’ praises, particularly when discussing his freakish strength.
“Strong. A young bull,” Jones said to describe Woods. “I think for him, just pulling it all together. He has the skill set. He has the power for it, also. He’s strong as an ox, and he’s willing to learn.”
Around the NFL
Sources: Facing charges, Terrion Arnold set to join Seahawks | ESPN
The deal will be for one year, sources told Rapoport.
Arnold, 23, is facing eight felony charges stemming from a kidnapping and robbery in Tampa, Florida, in February. He was arrested in Hillsborough County in June after turning himself in and was released the following week by the Lions, who drafted him in the first round in 2024.
A day before the Lions cut him, Arnold was released from custody after posting a $1 million bond. No trial date has been set. Arnold’s next scheduled court date is a disposition hearing Oct. 5.
Fernando Mendoza’s preseason debut: Rookie throws one TD, absorbs one big hit | The Athletic
Making his NFL preseason debut for the Las Vegas Raiders, Mendoza finished 10-for-16 passing for 97 yards against the Arizona Cardinals. He took over for Kirk Cousins after the veteran led the Raiders to a touchdown on the team’s first offensive series. The last pass Mendoza threw in the first half was his lone touchdown of the night, a slant to second-year receiver Jack Bech on third-and-goal.
The touchdown was impressive, especially considering Mendoza took a sack on first down two plays earlier. But the TD wasn’t Mendoza’s lone highlight. A 19-yard connection to rookie receiver Malik Benson over the middle showed Mendoza is growing comfortable operating from under center and in the play-action game, questions about the quarterback after he operated in a shotgun-heavy scheme at Indiana University that frequently used run-pass option concepts.
Bears could merge two sites for potential stadium in northwest Indiana | NFL.com
The Bears announced in June that they were moving forward with a stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana. They have completed their review of what they are calling the Lost Marsh site, and they are doing their due diligence on the Wolf Lake Terminal site. They could merge the two options together in some way.
“Even though we’ve had occasional meetings with the state of Illinois, our sole focus at this point in time is working on a world-class stadium and mixed-use development in Hammond, Indiana,” team President Kevin Warren said Thursday.
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Travis Kelce’s 2026 goal: ‘Play at a better level than last year’
“All aspects of football,” Kelce explained. “Being more accountable when the ball is in the air. There were a few games last year that I felt like I put on myself. In the blocking world, being able to get my guys so we can spring guys for bigger gains. And then on top of that, just being a better leader. When we get stuck with adversity hidden, who’s going to want you in that foxhole with them? That’s one of those things that I want — to be one of those guys that everybody counts on to be there and get us out of that foxhole.”
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