Chargers Ready to Target Shorthanded Chiefs WRs: 2 Now Ruled Out For Week 1

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The Chiefs’ wide receiver corps will also be missing Rashee Rice, who is serving a six-game suspension. With both Royals and Rice unavailable, Kansas City’s primary options include Xavier Worthy, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Worthy, a second-year receiver, is expected to make a leap after narrowly missing an 800-yard campaign in his rookie season. Brown, returning from a foot/ankle injury, and Smith-Schuster provide veteran depth and reliability for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Defensively, Kansas City’s injury report is relatively light. Omarr Norman-Lott, a second-round rookie, is the only limited participant listed due to an ankle issue, which defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says has slowed the young lineman’s start to the season.

For the Chargers, the secondary is still very much in flux. Los Angeles has yet to announce starters in the group, with Donte Jackson, Tarheeb Still, Cam Hart, and Benjamin St-Juste all in consideration. This uncertainty will add intrigue to a matchup where Kansas City’s passing attack will need to rely on its depth and playmakers.

While Royals missing his debut is disappointing, the Chiefs are taking a cautious approach to ensure he’s ready for the rigors of a full NFL campaign. Friday’s opener in Sao Paolo will be an early test for both teams. For the Chargers, facing a Chiefs roster missing key pieces offers an opportunity to jumpstart their season, while Kansas City hopes to navigate the absence of Royals and Rice without disruption.