The Chiefs WR making case to see more looks from Patrick Mahomes after big preseason showing

The Kansas City Chiefs must be itching for the regular season to being. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes wanted to play on Saturday but his request was denied. Fortunately, Mahomes was able to pay close attention to one young wide receiver who could be ready for a breakout season this fall.

Chiefs wide receiver Jalen Royals had his best career game against the Buccaneers on Saturday. Royals led the Chiefs with six receptions for 51 receiving yards. He also forced two missed tackles and had 13 yards after the catch, showing off his elusiveness.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid congratulated his second-year receiver for the strong showing after the game.

“It was great to see Royals step up and have a couple nice catches,” Reid said, per The Athletic’s Jesse Newell. “And then the yards after the catch, I thought, were nice. He did a nice job there.”

Kansas City drafted Royals in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Royals did not make much of an impact at all in his rookie season. In fact, he only logged two receptions for four yards in his seven games played last year.

That’s what makes it so encouraging to see Royals showing signs of progress in 2026. Even if it is during the preseason.

The Chiefs would love if they had another young wide receiver who could be a reliable target for Mahomes. Kansas City will be relying heavily on Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton during the 2026 season. The addition of Royals to that group, alongside veteran tight end Travis Kelce, would give Mahomes plenty of weapons to choose from.

It will be exciting to see if Royals can repeat with another strong performance in Kansas City’s next preseason game.

Next up for the Chiefs is their preseason finale against the Seahawks on on August 28th.

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