KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Mahomes finished 5 of 7 for 33 yards on two drives in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 17-10 loss to the Houston Texans in the preseason opener for both teams on Thursday night.

Houston’s Deshaun Watson, who’s coming back from a torn ACL, was used sparingly. He threw only one pass — a 4-yard completion to wide receiver Bruce Ellington — during a five-play drive to midfield that featured four handoffs to running back Lamar Miller.

Mahomes at No. 10 and Watson at No. 12 were taken in the first round of the 2017 draft to be franchise quarterbacks.

Brandon Weeden took over for Houston after the game’s opening drive and led back-to-back touchdown drives before joining Watson on the sideline for the remainder of the game.

Mahomes took over the starting job when Alex Smith was traded to Washington during the offseason. He also was sacked once and didn’t throw a touchdown or interception.

Mahomes didn’t complete a pass longer than 14 yards and never targeted Sammy Watkins, who signed a three-year, $48 million deal with the Chiefs in the offseason.

Weeden led Houston on a 12-play 68-yard drive during his first series, which was capped by a 6-yard touchdown to rookie tight end Jordan Akins.

Weeden hooked up with Akins for a 14-yard touchdown on the opening drive of the second quarter, finishing 9 of 11 for 97 yards with two touchdowns.

Mahomes’ backup, Chad Henne, was responsible for the lone Chiefs touchdown — a 24-yard strike over the top to Demarcus Robinson late in the second quarter.

Robinson finished with game highs of three catches and 48 yards, while Henne overcame a rough start, which included an interception on a tipped pass, to finish 8 of 14 for 91 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Several notable players were absent for both teams.

Chiefs safety Eric Berry (Achilles’ heel), who was injured in last year’s regular-season opener, didn’t dress for the game. Backup Eric Murray got the start alongside rookie safety Armani Watts, who replaced injured starter Daniel Sorenson (knee).

Kansas City also was without both starting inside linebackers — Anthony Hitchens, a free-agent acquisition from the Cowboys, and Reggie Ragland. Second-year pro Ukeme Eligwe and veteran Terrance Smith played with the starters.

Most of the Texans’ absences also were on defense.

Linebacker Whitney Mercilus (soft tissue injury) didn’t make the trip and linebacker Benardrick McKinney didn’t play.

Defensive end J.J. Watt, who is returning from a broken leg suffered last October in the regular season against the Chiefs, and linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (knee) didn’t play either.

Offseason addition Tyrann Mathieu and Johnathan Joseph also sat out for Houston, while starting wide receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller took the night off as well.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

There were no protests at Arrowhead Stadium from players on either team — though a few Chiefs, in particular, stood well off the sideline near the benches — during the national anthem. It didn’t appear that any players went to the locker room for the anthem.

INJURIES

Texans LB Kennan Gilchrist did not return after absorbing a helmet-to-helmet blow late in the fourth quarter from Chiefs running back Darrel Williams.

The play could have been called a penalty under new NFL rules regarding players lowering their heads and leading with the crown of the helmet, but no flag was thrown.

NEXT UP

The Chiefs (0-1) return to action Friday, Aug. 17, at the Atlanta Falcons.

The Texans (1-0) host the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, Aug. 18.

— Associated Press —

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs were missing both starting safeties for the final practice ahead of their preseason opener with Eric Berry getting a planned day off and Daniel Sorensen leaving with a knee injury.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid is being cautious with Berry after the star safety missed nearly all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon. The extent of Sorensen’s injury was still being evaluated.

There is little depth behind the starters, especially with rookie Armani Watts missing part of camp with an injury. He got first-team reps Tuesday alongside Eric Murray.

The Chiefs play their preseason opener against Houston on Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium.

— Associated Press —

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Even the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs is excited to see what Patrick Mahomes II can do.

Clark Hunt doesn’t seem worried about putting too much pressure on his young quarterback, either.

The chairman and most visible face of the ownership family said after Saturday’s training camp session at Missouri Western State University that he’s looking forward to seeing Mahomes under center when the Chiefs open their preseason schedule Thursday night against Houston.

He’s is eager for what the second-year pro can do for seasons to come, too.

“There’s a lot of excitement here in Kansas City and really around the country about Patrick. He is a young man with a lot of skills, has a very high ceiling,” Hunt said. “He’s going through the process in learning what it means to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. That learning process will continue during the preseason and I’m sure once we get to the regular season.”

Mahomes is taking over on a full-time basis from Alex Smith, who was traded to Washington despite the best year of his career. And the fact that Kansas City is pinning its hopes on its first homegrown quarterback in a generation has energized an already fervent fan base.

Season-ticket sales are robust, and there were about 6,000 fans at practice on Saturday.

“It’s very exciting for the franchise from a long-term perspective,” Hunt said. “If you can develop your own quarterback who can play at the top of the league, you can create an opportunity over the course of a decade to win a championship, and that’s what we hope Patrick does for us.”

No pressure, kid.

Hunt has also noticed what many others have this offseason: Chiefs coach Andy Reid has an extra bounce in his step, a byproduct of the fun he’s having working with a new, young quarterback.

“I know that’s a hard thing to imagine when you’re talking about Andy,” Hunt said in his annual training camp availability, “but truthfully he seems energized. And that goes all the way back to the preseason, the chance to take a quarterback and mold him, something he’s had a lot of success at.”

In other news, Hunt declined to discuss the dispute between the league and its players when it comes to protesting during the national anthem. “There’s really nothing to report,” Hunt said. “Until the league tells us what the policy is, there’s nothing really to talk about.”

Hunt did say he’s spoken to the Chiefs individually and collectively about social justice initiatives, and that the organization was willing to provide human resources and financial resources to help players make a difference with causes that they care about.

“That’s not something new for the Chiefs. It’s something that’s been going on here in Kansas City since my dad brought the team here in 1963,” Hunt said. “I’ve challenged the players to go out there and make a difference, and there’s so many that have a great heart and want to spend the time.”

Hunt also said the Chiefs are content with using Missouri Western as their training camp base, even though the majority of NFL franchises now hold camp at their usual practice facility.

Hunt and Reid both like the old-school idea of team-building that occurs at camp, even though it’s only an hours’ drive from Kansas City. Missouri Western has also built and improved its facilities to the point they rival most major colleges and professional franchises.

He also praised the work done by general manager Brett Veach, who has made several controversial moves since taking over last year. Among them was dealing talented but temperamental cornerback Marcus Peters to the Rams, a clear attempt at improving the clubhouse culture.

“One thing we really care about as a franchise is the culture and character of the team,” Hunt said. “That’s something very important to Brett. As he brought in players in free agency and the draft, he made sure those players would be positive contributors to the character of the football team.”

NOTES: OLs Cam Erving (knee) and Eric Fisher (shoulder) did not practice, nor did LBs Reggie Ragland (knee) and Anthony Hitchens (hamstring). None of the injuries to the four starters is thought to be serious. … CB Keith Reaser (quad), LB Tanoh Kpassagnon (heel) and FS Leon McQuay (hamstring) were limited in practice. It’s unclear if any will play in the preseason opener.

— Associated Press —

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Sammy Watkins made quite the impression on the first day of Kansas City Chiefs training camp on Thursday.

The veteran wide receiver is one of the newest options for first-year starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“The guy’s an unbelievable talent, he really is,” tight end Travis Kelce said of Watkins.

“He’s a high-character guy, you can’t say anything wrong about him. It’s been exciting just to see him come out here and work because he’s such a great athlete and he makes you want to get better every single day.”

Mahomes and Watkins teamed up to elicit the biggest cheer of the day from fans attending the opening of camp.

The quarterback dropped a 60-yard pass on a breezy post route to Watkins, who hauled in the over-the-shoulder catch on the run for an easy score. Mahomes said he’s quickly developing a rapport on the field with the newcomer.

“He’s a guy that will stay after and get extra work, a guy that wants to put the work in to be great,” Mahomes said.

“When you have guys like that all around our team, it’s easy to build chemistry and build that kind of deep ball or if it’s a short pass or whatever it is.”

Coach Andy Reid also praised the willingness of Watkins to push himself during practice, whether it’s running out routes where he’s a decoy or putting in extra reps.

“I love Sammy’s attitude and his work ethic,” Reid said. “He’s all business, he’s a quiet guy. He’s all business. I love the way he goes about, a true pro.”

For the first time in his career, Watkins comes into the season healthy and with a full offseason of work. That’s helping him acclimate to Reid’s West Coast offense playbook.

“I’ve gotten the plays down but of course we’ve got so much to build on with chemistry and working with the guys,” Watkins said.

“The offense is so bright you can’t sleep on it so everyday we’ve got to go over it and go over the installs.”

The offseason addition of Watkins figures to make the Chiefs offense a puzzle for defenses this season. The team returns three 1,000-yard performers from last season, including the league’s leading rusher in Kareem Hunt. Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill topped the 1,000-yard mark in receiving yards.

Kelce, who is used to frequently facing double teams and bracket coverage, sees the addition of Watkins creating opportunities for everyone across the offense.

“I think we’re going to open everything up for each other,” Kelce said. “Pat’s got quite an arsenal to throw to.”

It also means a lot of players to give the ball, but Reid says the group possesses a desire to win that keeps egos in check.

“That’s what’s nice about having the guys we have, they all understand there’s one ball,” Reid said. “They all get it. Sammy went out ran a couple of beautiful routes where he didn’t get the ball, but ran like he was going to get it. He didn’t pull off at all. That’s a great thing to have that kind of talent.”

The Chiefs open camp with just one injury issue impacting a projected starter. Inside linebacker Reggie Ragland started camp on the non-football injury list. He experienced a swollen knee following his flight to training camp. Reid does not believe the issue is a significant concern.

“He’s in great shape, we’re just going to let it calm down, precautionary measure, let it calm down and he’ll get back out,” Reid said. “I don’t think it’s anything to go crazy about.”

The Chiefs are relying on Ragland as a leader in the retooled starting defense that also includes cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and David Amerson, linebacker Anthony Hitchens and defensive tackle Xavier Williams.

Those changes on defense along with the addition of Watkins and the promotion of Mahomes, puts a smile on Reid’s face.

“We’ve got a lot of new faces in new places,” Reid said. “That part’s exciting. The ability to teach, that’s what we do. We got quite a little bit of teaching to do as we go here.”

— Associated Press —

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach announced on Wednesday that the club has promoted seven members of the current personnel staff to new titles. Additionally the Chiefs have added two new members to the group.

Mike Borgonzi will now serve as the club’s Director of Football Operations, Chris Shea has been promoted to Football Operations Counsel and Personnel Executive and Ryan Poles has been elevated to Assistant Director of Player Personnel. Additionally, Ryne Nutt is now the team’s Director of College Scouting, Trey Koziol will serve as a National Scout, Jason Lamb has been promoted to College and Pro Scout and Rob Francois’ new role will be as a National Football Scout.

“I’ve said from the beginning that I was fortunate to take this job with an incredibly talented staff already in place, a group that I was able to get to know very well over the last five years,” Veach said. “Throughout the year they continued to impress me. Not only did they support me, but they exceeded my expectations and each of them have earned this next step in their careers. I’m excited to continue to watch each of them grow in their new roles.”

In addition to the club’s promotions, the team has added Mike Bradway as the Assistant Director of Player Personnel. Bradway enters his 11th NFL season after spending the previous 10 years with the Philadelphia Eagles in various personnel capacities. He most recently served as the Eagles Assistant Director of College Scouting. The club has also added Greg Castillo as a College Scouting Coordinator. Castillo served most recently as a Scouting Intern with the New Orleans Saints. Prior to transitioning to personnel, he played safety for the Chiefs during the 2013 preseason. The Mount Laurel, New Jersey, native, played collegiately at the University of Iowa.

“Mike and Greg will be great additions to our staff,” Veach said. “I have a lot of familiarity with Mike from our time together in Philadelphia. He’s got a great football mind and is a talented evaluator. Greg’s work ethic and attitude give him a really high ceiling in this profession and he’ll be an asset to our department moving forward. Both of these guys will fit in seamlessly to our staff.”

Veach enters his second season as the General Manager with the Chiefs and his 12th year in the NFL. He is the seventh GM in team history, earning that title on July 10, 2017.

— Chiefs Press Release —

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Football League announced on Thursday the regular season schedule for the 2018 season. The Kansas City Chiefs will be featured in five primetime television games.

“I always look forward to this time of year, getting our players back in the building, getting back to football, and then on top of that we get to see how our schedule sets up and start our preparation,” Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid said. “We’ve got a lot of work to get done before September 9^th. I’m excited to get started and I know Chiefs Kingdom will be supporting us the entire way.”

Kansas City will kick off its quest for a third-straight AFC West title with back-to-back road games against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Chiefs have won eight consecutive contests against the Chargers. A victory against Los Angeles on Sept. 9 would mark the longest consecutive win streak against the Chargers in team history. The Chiefs return home to Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 23 to face the San Francisco 49ers in the club’s home opener. Kansas City’s first primetime contest is on Oct. 1 against the Broncos in Denver. The Chiefs have won five consecutive matchups against the Broncos.

After a visit from the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 7, Kansas City will face the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on NBC’s Sunday Night Football on October 14. The Chiefs will take on the Bengals and Broncos at home before traveling to Cleveland on November 4. The Chiefs face the Arizona Cardinals at home on November 11, followed by a MondayNight Football matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Mexico City on Nov. 19.

Following the club’s Bye Week on November 25 the team will travel to face the Oakland Raiders on Dec. 2. The Chiefs are 8-2 against Oakland under Head Coach Andy Reid. The final quarter of the season features a home game against the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 9, before a Thursday night contest at Arrowhead Stadium versus the Chargers on Dec. 13. The Chiefs then travel to Seattle for their second Sunday Night Football contest of the season, facing the Seahawks in primetime on December 23. Kansas City closes out the regular season at home against the Oakland Raiders on December 30.

Fans interested in traveling to the Chiefs vs. Rams game in Mexico City are encouraged to visit Primesport.com or call (800) 591-9198. As the Official Travel Partner of the Kansas City Chiefs, Primesport offers multiple options including travel, hotel, tickets and on-site hospitality.

Chiefs single-game tickets will go on sale beginning tomorrow at 8 a.m. for both Chiefs Season Ticket Members and Jackson County taxpayers and will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Single-game tickets are subject to availability and dynamic pricing. Season Ticket Memberships are available for as low as $380 per year. Visit Chiefs.com for details.

 

 

2018 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Date                             Opponent                                            Time                            Network

Thursday, Aug. 9         Houston Texans                                  7:30 p.m.                     KCTV5

Friday, Aug. 17              at Atlanta Falcons                                  7:00 p.m.                      KCTV5

Saturday, Aug. 25         at Chicago Bears                                   Noon                            KCTV5

Thursday, Aug. 30       Green Bay Packers                              7:30 p.m.                     KCTV5

 

2018 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE

Date                             Opponent                                            Time                            Network

Sunday, Sept. 9            at Los Angeles Chargers                       3:05 p.m.                      CBS

Sunday, Sept. 16           at Pittsburgh Steelers                            Noon                            CBS

Sunday, Sept. 23         San Francisco 49ers                            Noon                            FOX

Monday, Oct. 1             at Denver Broncos                                 7:15 p.m.                      ESPN

Sunday, Oct. 7             Jacksonville Jaguars*                         Noon                            CBS

Sunday, Oct. 14            at New England Patriots*                       7:20 p.m.                      NBC

Sunday, Oct. 21           Cincinnati Bengals*                             Noon                            CBS

Sunday, Oct. 28           Denver Broncos*                                 Noon                            CBS

Sunday, Nov. 4             at Cleveland Browns*                            Noon                            CBS

Sunday, Nov. 11          Arizona Cardinals*                              Noon                            FOX

Monday, Nov. 19           at Los Angeles Rams (Mexico City)        7:15 p.m.                      ESPN

Sunday, Nov. 25          BYE WEEK                                          – – – – –                           – – – – –

Sunday, Dec. 2             at Oakland Raiders*                              3:05 p.m.                      CBS

Sunday, Dec. 9            Baltimore Ravens*                               Noon                            CBS

Thursday, Dec. 13        Los Angeles Chargers                         7:20 p.m.                     FOX/NFLN

Sunday, Dec. 23           at Seattle Seahawks*                             7:20 p.m.                      NBC

Sunday, Dec. 30           Oakland Raiders*                                 Noon                            CBS

— Chiefs Press Release —

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Football League informed the Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday that the club will face the Los Angeles Rams in Mexico City on Monday, November 19. The game will kickoff at 7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN Monday Night Football. The Chiefs will be the away team in the contest at Estadio Azteca, in Mexico City. The Chiefs full regular season schedule will be released tomorrow at 7 p.m. CT.

The Chiefs own a 26-18 (.591) all-time record in Monday Night Football games. Under Head Coach Andy Reid, the club has won three of its four MNF contests. This will be the sixth time in franchise history that the Chiefs have played internationally. Kansas City’s last contest abroad was on Nov. 1, 2015, when the club defeated the Detroit Lions 45-10. The Chiefs played the Cowboys in Monterrey, Mexico, in a 1996 preseason American Bowl contest. Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt has played a key role in expanding the NFL’s footprint, serving as the International Committee’s Chairman since 2011.

— Chiefs Media Relations —

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Football League officially announced its 2018 preseason schedule on Wednesday.

The Kansas City Chiefs will kick off their preseason slate at Arrowhead Stadium against the Houston Texans followed by back-to-back road contests against the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears. Kansas City will close out the preseason at home against the Green Bay Packers.

Dates and times will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

CHIEFS 2018 PRESEASON OPPONENTS
Game #1 vs. Houston
Game #2 at Atlanta
Game #3 at Chicago
Game #4 vs. Green Bay

— Chiefs Public Relations —