Kansas City Chiefs News

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (ankle) sustains 'major' injury

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco (ankle) sustains 'major' injury

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco injured his right ankle during Sunday's 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pacheco left the stadium on crutches and sporting a boot.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he was waiting on test results but indicated the injury was significant.

"The only major injury would be Isiah Pacheco," Reid said. "He's having tests on it now -- X-Rays all that stuff."

Pressed on the severity, Reid indicated he was in wait-and-see mode.

"I don't actually know right now. I've just got to see," Reid said. "They're doing all the stuff right now, so I haven't really had a chance to talk to him or anything about it."

Pacheco was injured with just under two minutes remaining, being bent backwards during a tackle by one defender while another had hold of his leg during a 1-yard run. The injury occurred during the Kansas City drive that ended with Harrison Butker's game-ending 51-yard field goal.

Pacheco had 90 yards on 19 carries and caught five passes for 21 yards on Sunday. He has a team-high 135 rushing yards through two games.

Pacheco rushed for 830 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in 2022. Last season, he rushed for 935 yards and seven scores.

Chiefs hit game-ending FG, beat Bengals in back-and-forth game

Chiefs hit game-ending FG, beat Bengals in back-and-forth game

KANSAS CITY -- Harrison Butker converted a 51-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Kansas City Chiefs past the visiting Cincinnati Bengals 26-25 on Sunday.

Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 25 passes for just 151 yards. He tossed two touchdowns, including a 44-yarder to Rashee Rice, but added two interceptions.

With his team down two, Mahomes received one final chance after rookie safety Daijahn Anthony was called for pass interference with 38 seconds remaining as the Chiefs faced fourth-and-16 from their own 35.

Joe Burrow was 23-of-36 for 258 yards and a pair of touchdown passes to Andrei Iosivas.

The game was another installment of one of the NFL's most riveting rivalries of the last four years. Burrow is 3-2 lifetime against Mahomes.

Burrow started the game completing his first six targets to tight ends for 93 yards, three of which went to Drew Sample and another two to rookie Erick All.

After a 33-yard Evan McPherson field goal made it 13-10 in the second quarter, Cincinnati's Sheldon Rankins punched the ball loose from running back Carson Steele at midfield and Germaine Pratt recovered. The Bengals converted with McPherson's third field goal of the day, a 48-yarder.

Trey Hendrickson, who beat rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia for two sacks, provided a key spark to the defense with a sack of Patrick Mahomes on Kansas City's final drive before the half.

The Chiefs drove 70 yards on the opening possession of the second half and took their first lead of the game, 17-16, on a 1-yard tackle-eligible pass to Wanya Morris.

Burrow answered with a long drive of his own, capped with a fourth-down touchdown pass of 4 yards to Iosivas. The extra point was missed and the Bengals led, 22-17.

Cam Taylor-Britt, burned on the 44-yard TD pass to Rice, redeemed himself with a spectacular one-handed grab of a Mahomes pass intended for Xavier Worthy.

Burrow was taken down on a scramble the next time the Bengals had the ball, and cornerback Chamarri Conner scooped up his fumble and ran 38 yards for the go-ahead score and a 23-22 Chiefs lead.

Ja'Marr Chase nearly cost the Bengals dearly on the next drive, as he was hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty after being taken to the ground hard by corner Trent McDuffie.

Burrow came over to try and settle him down but not before the flag came out. Still, McPherson connected on his fourth field goal of the day, from 53 yards with 9:28 left in the fourth quarter.

The Bengals lost defensive tackle B.J. Hill to a left hamstring injury midway through the second quarter.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful for Chiefs

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (hamstring) doubtful for Chiefs

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins will likely miss a second straight game Sunday when his club visits the two-time defending-champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Higgins (hamstring) missed the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots and didn't practice at all this week. On Friday, the club listed Higgins as doubtful for the game against Kansas City.

Bengals coach Zac Taylor didn't sound overly optimistic while updating Higgins' injury on Friday.

"We'll see," Taylor said. "I'm not going to rule him out yet for Sunday. We'll see where he's at."

Higgins injured the hamstring during a practice on Sept. 5.

In the offseason, Cincinnati placed the $21.8 million franchise tag on Higgins to prevent him from seeking offers from other teams.

Last season, Higgins caught 42 passes for 656 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games (11 starts). He has 257 receptions for 3,684 yards and 24 scores in four NFL seasons.

Cincinnati ruled out defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (thumb) for Sunday. In addition to Higgins, tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) and offensive tackle Amarius Mims (pectoral) are doubtful.

Kansas City wideout Marquise Brown (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve Friday and will undergo surgery. No other Chiefs are in danger of missing the game.

Reports: Chiefs WR Marquise Brown needs shoulder surgery

Reports: Chiefs WR Marquise Brown needs shoulder surgery

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown needs shoulder surgery and is going on injured reserve, multiple media outlets reported on Friday.

Brown, 27, missed the season-opening win against the Baltimore Ravens and will be required to sit out at least the next four games. His earliest return date would be after Kansas City's bye in Week 6.

Brown has not practiced since dislocating the sternoclavicular joint in his left shoulder on the Chiefs' first offensive play in their Aug. 10 preseason opener.

Brown, 27, signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City as a free agent in March. He had 51 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games (all starts) last season for the Arizona Cardinals.

He was a first-round draft pick (25th overall) by Baltimore in 2019 and has 313 career catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 games (65 starts) with the Ravens (2019-21) and Cardinals (2022-23).

Bengals, aiming to bounce back, renew acquaintances with Chiefs

Bengals, aiming to bounce back, renew acquaintances with Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Chiefs will look to build upon their momentum from a dramatic opening-night win while the visiting Cincinnati Bengals will aim to forget a dismal showing in their opener when the teams meet Sunday.

The Chiefs (1-0) held on for a 27-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens when Isaiah Likely's toe landed just out of bounds in the closing seconds, nullifying his would-be touchdown grab.

The Bengals (0-1) saw their offense sputter in a stunning 16-10 home loss to the rebuilding New England Patriots, with Joe Burrow completing 21 of 29 passes but only for 164 yards and no touchdowns.

The Chiefs and Bengals are certainly no strangers to each other. They are meeting for the sixth time in the last four seasons, with the Bengals winning three times, including the AFC Championship Game after the 2021 season in Kansas City.

The Chiefs returned the favor in the AFC Championship Game the following year, quarterback Patrick Mahomes' first win over Burrow in four meetings.

Last season, the Chiefs topped the Bengals 25-17 in Week 17, a game Burrow missed with torn ligaments in his right wrist. Jake Browning started in Burrow's place and the Bengals lost, eliminating them from postseason contention.

"Yeah, of course, you miss that," Burrow said of sitting out last season's matchup. "I just miss playing football. I miss being out there with the guys, so it's a luxury right now to be criticized by all (the media) about how we played on Sunday, because I was sitting in the wings for seven weeks last year. So I'm just excited to be out there."

Injuries could again play a key factor in Sunday's outcome. On Wednesday, Burrow addressed his recovery from wrist surgery, as cameras caught him repeatedly flexing and rubbing his wrist during the Week 1 loss.

"It feels better this week than it did last week, than it did the week before, so it's continually getting better," Burrow said of the wrist.

While Burrow was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, receiver Tee Higgins, who missed Week 1 with a strained hamstring, did not practice. The Bengals are hopeful to get rookie right tackle Amarius Mims back and could get rookie defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. back after thumb surgery on Sept. 6.

Veteran receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown could be back for Kansas City to join Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce in the passing attack. Brown missed most of the preseason and the regular-season opener due to a shoulder dislocation he sustained during Kansas City's preseason opener.

Coach Andy Reid said Brown was feeling better and making significant progress, though Brown sat out practice on Wednesday.

In the Chiefs' Week 1 win, Mahomes completed 20 of 28 passes for 291 yards, with a 35-yard pass to the 21-year-old rookie Worthy, who also ran 21 yards for a score.

The Bengals, meanwhile, could get almost nothing going on offense, going three-and-out on their first three possessions, scoring just one touchdown and never holding a lead before a frustrated home crowd.

Kelce said on his "New Heights" podcast, "The Bengals are going to be ready for us. We're going to be dialed up and have a great game plan. It's going to be exciting to go up against one of the best teams in the league.

"I think they have a great defense. Their defensive coordinator (Lou Anarumo) always plays extremely tough. They're very well coached. They got players all over the place, and great players all over the place. And sure enough, it's one I would call rivals, now that we've actually won a few."

After beating Mahomes and the Chiefs twice in the 2021 season and once in in the '22 season, coach Zac Taylor and his Bengals have dropped the last two meetings, both in Kansas City, the site again of Sunday's showdown.

Taylor said of going up against Mahomes, "He's one of the greatest ever to do it. ... He's just a very aware player. He's always in the moment. He's got a lot of strengths, not a lot of weaknesses."

Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy rips Chiefs' medical staff

Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy rips Chiefs' medical staff

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy blasted the Kansas City Chiefs' medical staff for what he said was "unacceptable" and "super unprofessional" behavior after he sustained a fractured orbital bone in Thursday's season opener.

Van Noy was addressed by the Ravens' medical staff on the field after he was injured while chasing Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes early in the third quarter. Van Noy, however, claims the Chiefs' in-house ophthalmologist didn't see him in a timely manner.

"I was disappointed in the way the training staff of the Chiefs handled the situation," he said on his "McCoy & Van Noy" podcast Tuesday. "When things like that hurt, especially something that could be serious like mine was, you're supposed to rely on the team's training staff or their doctors and I was supposed to see an ophthalmologist -- which is somebody who checks out eye(s), performs eye surgery and they took an entire quarter to get down to talk to me in the locker room. Which, to me, is unacceptable.

"Because then you start thinking, ‘What if I was trying to go back in the game? What if I was really, really hurt?' I know mine was moderate but it still serious because it's an eye (injury). And your expectation of someone to be down there as the training staff asked them to be down there would have had a little more urgency. The way it took time was super unprofessional to me."

The Chiefs had yet to publicly respond to Van Noy's comments as of Wednesday afternoon.

Van Noy was able to walk off the field and finished the game with one tackle and one quarterback hit.

Van Noy, 33, re-signed with the Ravens on a two-year deal in April after registering a career-high nine sacks in 14 games (three starts) with Baltimore in 2023.

A two-time Super Bowl champion with New England, Van Noy has tallied 42.5 sacks, 501 tackles, 12 forced fumbles and three interceptions in 143 games (90 starts) with the Detroit Lions (2014-16), Patriots (2016-19, 2021), Miami Dolphins (2020), Los Angeles Chargers (2022) and Ravens.

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown 'getting close' to return

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown 'getting close' to return

Wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown might be ready to make his Kansas City Chiefs debut as early as this weekend.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Monday the free-agent acquisition would be evaluated later in the week.

"He's getting close," said Reid, who admitted that Brown still could need another week of recovery time. "I know he's feeling better, and we've just got to kind of see where it goes from here. They've been ... making sure that he's headed in the right direction with scans and all that."

The Chiefs are set to face the Cincinnati Bengals at home Sunday after winning their season opener 27-20 over the visiting Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.

Brown, 27, was signed as a free agent in March after three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and the past two with the Arizona Cardinals.

The former 25th overall draft pick in 2019 came away with a painful shoulder injury during the preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 10. He spent a few hours in a Jacksonville hospital after coming away with a dislocation of his sternoclavicular shoulder joint.

"We'll see where Hollywood is at with all his tests that he is going to have this week," Reid said.

Brown, who received a one-year, $7 million deal, had 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns last season in 14 games for the Cardinals. He had career bests of 91 receptions and 1,008 yards in 2021 during his third and final season with the Ravens.

Brown has 313 career catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 games (65 starts).

Ravens-Chiefs scores record kickoff ratings for NBC

Ravens-Chiefs scores record kickoff ratings for NBC

Thursday night's thriller between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs drew a record number of viewers for an NFL kickoff game.

According to NBC Sports, the Chiefs' 27-20 victory had an average audience of 28.9 million across NBC and Peacock, surpassing the 27.6 million who watched the New England Patriots defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the network's 2015 opener.

The numbers were 5 percent higher than last season's opener when the Detroit Lions beat the Chiefs, 21-20.

The Ravens-Chiefs audience, which no doubt included a number of Taylor Swift fans, peaked at 33 million viewers in the second quarter.

The start of Thursday's game at Arrowhead Stadium was delayed by 20 minutes due to the weather, but it did not appear to affect the numbers.

Kansas City and Baltimore were the top two markets for the game, which the Ravens lost by a toe when tight end Isaiah Likely was ruled out of bounds and his apparent touchdown catch on the final play was overturned.

Chiefs-Ravens opener draws top Thursday opener rating

Chiefs-Ravens opener draws top Thursday opener rating

The dramatic first game of the NFL season between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens drew record viewership numbers for a Thursday opener.

An average of 28.9 million people watched the game, which the host Chiefs won 27-20 when an apparent last-second Ravens touchdown was overturned on a video review.

The NFL first started Thursday openers in 2002. The previous high rating for one of those contests was 27.6 million in 2015, when the New England Patriots opposed the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last year's Thursday opener, in which the Detroit Lions upset the Chiefs, was seen by 27.5 million.

The total from the Chiefs-Ravens game included 24.3 million watching on NBC plus 4.6 million viewers on Peacock plus NFL and NBC streaming options.

Viewership reached its high point in the second quarter at 33 million, around 9:30-9:45 p.m. ET. The game didn't end until nearly midnight ET due in part to a pregame weather delay.

According to NBC, among the 44 markets whose ratings were available, the biggest markets for the game were Kansas City (43.4 rating, 80 share), Baltimore (24.5, 60), Denver (18.0, 50), St. Louis (17.0, 46) and Norfolk, Va. (16.9, 49). The rating is the percent of all televisions in the market watching, while the share is the percent of television in use at the time that were watching.

Patrick Mahomes becomes Chiefs' all-time leader in passing yards

Patrick Mahomes becomes Chiefs' all-time leader in passing yards

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed Hall of Famer Len Dawson as the team's all-time leader in passing yards during the first half of Kansas City's regular-season opener against the visiting Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.

Mahomes needed just 84 yards to eclipse Dawson -- who finished with 28,507 yards while with the Chiefs -- and did so in the second quarter when he found tight end Travis Kelce for a 23-yard pass.

Dawson, a seven-time Pro Bowl quarterback, played 14 of his 19 seasons in the NFL with the Chiefs franchise (including one season with the Dallas Texans, who moved to Kansas City and became the Chiefs in 1963). He was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

Mahomes is in his seventh season as Kansas City's starting quarterback after playing in only one game as a rookie in 2017. He has been named to six Pro Bowl teams, won two MVP awards and led the team to three Super Bowl titles since being selected 10th by the franchise in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Chiefs hold off Ravens (by a toe) in thrilling season opener

Chiefs hold off Ravens (by a toe) in thrilling season opener

Kansas City rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy caught a 35-yard touchdown and ran for a 21-yard score as the Chiefs began their quest for a third straight Super Bowl title with a thrilling 27-20 win over the visiting Baltimore Orioles in the NFL's regular-season opener on Thursday night.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson appeared to hit tight end Isaiah Likely for a 10-yard touchdown as time expired but, after video review, Likely was ruled to have landed with the tip of his cleat out of bounds. When officials initially ruled the play a touchdown, Baltimore coach John Harbaugh signaled to go for a two-point conversion rather than attempt to send the game to overtime.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for 291 yards with a touchdown and an interception, making just enough plays to outlast Jackson and the Ravens in a rematch of last season's AFC Championship Game.

Rashee Rice caught seven passes for 103 yards for the Chiefs while tight end Travis Kelce caught three passes for 34 yards with girlfriend and pop star Taylor Swift in attendance.

After each team scored a touchdown on their opening drive of the game and combined for three field goals in the second quarter, the Chiefs took a 20-10 lead on the first drive of the second half on a 1-yard run by Isiah Pacheco.

Under pressure for much of the game behind an offensive line with three new starters, Jackson scrambled to his right and hit Likely for a 49-yard touchdown to cut the margin to three on the first play of the fourth quarter.

Jackson completed 26 of 41 passes for 273 yards with a touchdown and added 122 yards rushing on 16 carries.

On the ensuing drive, Worthy came up with perhaps the biggest play of the game, hauling in a pass from Mahomes on a second-and-10 play from the Baltimore 35 and giving the Chiefs a 27-17 lead with 10:25 to play.

A 32-yard field goal by Justin Tucker pulled the Ravens to within seven with 4:54 left in the game. Baltimore got the ball back at the two-minute warning but with no timeouts. On a first-and-10 play with 43 seconds to play, Jackson threw a 38-yard pass to Rashod Bateman to the Kansas City 10 before Likely was ruled out of bounds on the game's final play.

Jackson then threw a pair of incompletions before the ill-fated throw to Likely to end the game.

Baltimore Running back Derrick Henry, who was signed as a free agent this offseason, ran for 46 yards on 13 carries and scored on a 5-yard run on the game's opening drive.

The Chiefs tied the game at 7-7 when Worthy took a flick from Mahomes and ran past the Ravens defenders for a 21-yard score with 5:55 left in the first quarter.

Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones had a strip-sack on Jackson on the second play of the second quarter that was recovered by Felix Anudike-Uzomah on the Baltimore 14. The Ravens defense held, however, limiting the Chiefs to a 32-yard field goal by Harrison Butker to make it 10-7.

The Ravens failed to convert a fourth-and-3 when Zay Flowers caught a pass from Jackson and was tackled at midfield for a 1-yard gain on the ensuing drive. However, the Chiefs again had to settle for three points, this time a 31-yard kick by Butker that provided a 13-7 lead with 5:44 left in the half.

An interception by Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith at the Baltimore 49 with 1:44 to go in the half led to a 25-yard field goal by Justin Tucker that cut the score to 13-10 at the break.

Reports: Chiefs sign TE Noah Gray to 3-year contract extension

Reports: Chiefs sign TE Noah Gray to 3-year contract extension

The Kansas City Chiefs signed tight end Noah Gray to a three-year contract extension on Thursday, according to multiple media reports.

Contract terms were a value of $19.5 million including a $6 million signing bonus and $10 million guaranteed at signing, according to the NFL Network. ESPN, meanwhile, reported the deal was worth $18 million, including $10.1 million guaranteed.

Kansas City opened the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night.

Gray, 25, played in all 17 regular-season games and made a career-high 10 starts in the Chiefs' two-tight end sets along with All-Pro Travis Kelce. Gray caught 28 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns to tie or set his career highs for a single season.

He played on 52 percent of the offensive snaps (592) and on special teams (219).

The Chiefs selected Gray in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Duke. He has totaled 63 receptions for 640 yards and four touchdowns in 50 career games (19 starts).

TNF Week 1: Ravens-Chiefs Preview, Props, Prediction

TNF Week 1: Ravens-Chiefs Preview, Props, Prediction

The Kansas City Chiefs begin their quest to become the first team since the 1960s to win three consecutive NFL championships when they host the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener on Thursday.

This contest is a rematch of last season's AFC Championship Game, which the visiting Chiefs won 17-10.

ODDS AND TRENDS

Kansas City is a consensus 3.0-point favorite, which is essentially the bump they get for playing at Arrowhead Stadium.

The action has been even at BetRivers, where the Chiefs have been backed by 52 percent of the total spread-line money wagered while the Ravens have drawn 52 percent of the total bets. Meanwhile, Kansas City has been supported by 55 and 56 percent of the action, respectively, at BetMGM, causing the line to shift slightly since opening at 2.5 points.

"Bettors are currently split on the Chiefs-Ravens season opener," BetMGM senior trading manager Tristan Davis said. "We expect more action to come in on the Chiefs as kickoff approaches. The sportsbook will want the Ravens to cover."

The Over on 46.5 points at BetRivers has been popular, drawing 67 percent of the money and 66 percent of the tickets. Four of the Ravens' past six Thursday night games have gone over the total point line.

PROP PICKS

--Derrick Henry Anytime TD (-122 at BetRivers): The Ravens' new lead back after eight seasons as the bell cow in Tennessee, Henry makes his Baltimore debut on Thursday night. This is the most wagered-on prop at the book, drawing 5.2 percent of all the money. Henry has scored at least one touchdown in each of his past three regular-season games against the Chiefs.

--Patrick Mahomes Over 268.5 Passing Yards (-115 at BetMGM): After a pair of Henry props, this has been the most popular at BetMGM in terms of total bets. The Chiefs quarterback topped this mark eight times last season and while Baltimore is known for its stout defense, the Ravens did lose coordinator Mike Macdonald to Seattle over the offseason.

KEY STATS

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has a streak of 13 consecutive regular-season games in which he has not thrown an interception when Baltimore has been the underdog. He has also rushed for at least 54 yards in four of the past five meetings.

THE NEWS

The Ravens inexplicably ran the ball just 16 times -- eight by Jackson -- for 81 yards in last season's AFC title game despite finishing the regular season with the NFL's top ground attack. The gameplan should be different with the four-time Pro Bowler Henry, who has rushed for 672 yards with eight touchdowns in six career games against Kansas City.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta tried to acquire Henry at last season's trade deadline, but the Titans denied him. Henry became the Ravens' top free-agent target, and DeCosta signed him to a two-year, $16 million deal in March.

When asked whether he would have been the difference for the Ravens in last season's playoffs, Henry said this week, "Hell yes. I was wishing I could suit up that day (when I was) watching that game. But, yes, now it's my turn, so (I have) to take advantage of it. It's going to be a hell of a game. The Chiefs are always tough, (and) they're solid on all three (phases), so we've got to be locked in this week to be able to execute on Thursday."

The Chiefs have not shied away from trying to make history this season as they try to become the first team to win a third consecutive Super Bowl. The Ravens are one of their biggest challengers in the AFC, and Kansas City players want to send a message to the rest of the NFL that their team is still the one to beat.

The Chiefs will get an opportunity on Thursday night, shortly after unveiling their Super Bowl LVIII championship banner. Mahomes is expecting another hard-fought matchup.

"The common thing is just physicality and speed. That's who the Ravens are," Mahomes said. "They're a team that's going to play hard. They're going to play physically, and you have to accept that challenge. If you don't, they're going to dominate the football game.

"Even though they've traded through defensive coordinators, they have those same principles. I think that's more of the team (and) the culture they have, and I'm sure there will be wrinkles that we'll have to adjust (to) out there. I mean, they have a great football team (and) a great defense. It's going to be a great challenge for us."

INJURY REPORT

Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown is out with a shoulder injury. Kansas City listed eight others on the injury report, including defensive tackle Chris Jones and offensive lineman Wayna Morris, but all practiced Wednesday and are available for Thursday's game.

Rookie Rasheen Ali, Baltimore's No. 3 running back on the depth chart, missed practice all week and is doubtful with a neck injury. Ravens rookie outside linebacker Adisa Isaac (hamstring) is out.

THEY SAID IT

"Any game I play in, I feel like it's a revenge game. I'm not just going to look at this game like a revenge game. Anybody we play, no matter if we've beaten them or lost to them in previous years, I just want to win." --Jackson, who has lost four of five previous meetings against Mahomes.

PREDICTION

This is a key season-opening litmus test for both teams in a game that could have major home-field advantage implications come playoff time. Expect more scoring than the 27 total points put up in the AFC Championship Game, but the Chiefs are rested, their stars are healthy and Arrowhead will be rocking. --Chiefs 27, Ravens 23

Ravens eager for opening rematch with champion Chiefs

Ravens eager for opening rematch with champion Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs begin their quest to become the first team since the 1960s to win three consecutive NFL championships when they host the Baltimore Ravens in the season opener on Thursday.

This contest is a rematch of last season's AFC Championship Game, which the visiting Chiefs won 17-10.

It's also the sixth meeting between Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Ravens' Lamar Jackson, the reigning NFL MVP. Mahomes owns a 4-1 head-to-head record against Jackson, who downplayed the rivalry with Mahomes this week and potential payback for the loss to the Chiefs in January.

"Any game I play in, I feel like it's a revenge game," Jackson said. "I'm not just going to look at this game like a revenge game. Anybody we play, no matter if we've beaten them or lost to them in previous years, I just want to win."

The Ravens inexplicably ran the ball just 16 times -- eight by Jackson -- for 81 yards in the AFC Championship Game despite finishing the regular season with the NFL's top ground attack. The Ravens signed four-time Pro Bowler Derrick Henry as a free agent in the offseason, and he should get plenty of opportunities to carry the ball against the Chiefs

Henry ran for 672 yards with eight touchdowns in six games, including the postseason, against Kansas City over eight seasons with the Tennessee Titans.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta tried to acquire Henry at last season's trade deadline, but the Titans denied him. Henry became the Ravens' top free-agent target, and DeCosta signed him to a two-year, $16 million deal in March.

When asked whether he would have been the difference for the Ravens in last season's playoffs, Henry said this week, "Hell yes. I was wishing I could suit up that day (when I was) watching that game. But, yes, now it's my turn, so (I have) to take advantage of it. It's going to be a hell of a game. The Chiefs are always tough, (and) they're solid on all three (phases), so we've got to be locked in this week to be able to execute on Thursday."

The Chiefs have not shied away from trying to make history this season as they try to become the first team to win a third consecutive Super Bowl. The Ravens could be one of their biggest challenges in the AFC, and Kansas City players want to send a message to the rest of the NFL that their team is still the one to beat.

The Chiefs will get an opportunity on Thursday night, shortly after unveiling their Super Bowl LVIII championship banner. Mahomes is expecting another hard-fought matchup.

"The common thing is just physicality and speed. That's who the Ravens are," Mahomes said. "They're a team that's going to play hard. They're going to play physically, and you have to accept that challenge. If you don't, they're going to dominate the football game.

"Even though they've traded through defensive coordinators, they have those same principles. I think that's more of the team (and) the culture they have, and I'm sure there will be wrinkles that we'll have to adjust (to) out there. I mean, they have a great football team (and) a great defense. It's going to be a great challenge for us."

Report: Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire out at least 4 games

Report: Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire out at least 4 games

The Kansas City Chiefs put running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the reserve/non-football illness list, meaning he will miss at least four games, ESPN reported Monday.

In anticipation of Edwards-Helaire's absence, the Chiefs signed RB Samaje Perine last week after his release from the Denver Broncos. Head coach Andy Reid said Perine will be available to play Thursday when the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs open the season against the visiting Baltimore Ravens.

The Chiefs selected Edwards-Helaire in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU. In 48 games (32 starts) over four seasons, he has rushed 441 times for 1,845 yards with 12 touchdowns. He's added 765 receiving yards and seven scores.

Last month, Edwards-Helaire, 25, revealed on social media and also shared with reporters at training camp that he has been impacted by post-traumatic stress disorder since December 2018.

"Sometimes I'm admitted into the hospital, something like I can't stop throwing up and it's just, I (don't) know (anything) pretty much to stop it," he said, per ESPN.

"Real bad dehydration ... but it's really just mentally just not being there," he said, adding alert teammates can notice that, "'OK, Clyde's not laughing, he's not giggling, he's not himself.'"

Edwards-Helaire did not disclose the cause of his PTSD, other than to cite "a self-defense situation" that he went through in college.

Isiah Pacheco is listed on the Chiefs' depth chart as the No. 1 running back.

Chiefs WR Marquise Brown (shoulder) to miss opener

Chiefs WR Marquise Brown (shoulder) to miss opener

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will miss the season opener with a shoulder injury, coach Andy Reid confirmed Friday.

Brown has not practiced since dislocating the sternoclavicular joint in his left shoulder on the Chiefs' first offensive play in their Aug. 10 preseason opener.

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions kick off the NFL's regular season on Thursday against the visiting Baltimore Ravens.

Brown, 27, signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City as a free agent in March. He had 51 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games (all starts) last season for the Arizona Cardinals.

Brown was a first-round draft pick (25th overall) by Baltimore in 2019 and has 313 career catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 games (65 starts) with the Ravens (2019-21) and Cardinals (2022-23).

Chiefs' Rashee Rice not expected to land on commissioner's exempt list

Chiefs' Rashee Rice not expected to land on commissioner's exempt list

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is not expected to be placed on the commissioner's exempt list stemming from his arrest in the spring, an NFL spokesman said Thursday in a video conference.

"We don't anticipate he'll be placed on (the) commissioner's exempt (list) unless there's a material change in the case," NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy told reporters.

A player placed on the commissioner's exempt list is paid by his team but is prohibited from participating in practice or attending games. They also do not count against the team's roster limit.

Rice has participated in the Chiefs' offseason programs. He remains on target to be available next Thursday when Kansas City hosts the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL's season opener.

Rice, 24, was involved in a six-car crash on March 30 in Dallas that left seven people with injuries, including at least one woman who sustained "serious bodily injury" and another who was stranded on the highway with her 4-year-old son for about five hours after the crash.

Rice faces one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury. Police said Rice was going as fast as 119 mph on a Dallas freeway.

A second-round pick in 2023, Rice set the Chiefs' rookie record for receiving touchdowns (seven) and receptions (79) last season. He added 26 catches in the playoffs for the Super Bowl champions.

Rice recorded the second-most receiving yards by a rookie in Chiefs history (938), trailing only Dwayne Bowe (995 in 2007).

Reports: Chiefs sign ex-Patriots QB Bailey Zappe to practice squad

Reports: Chiefs sign ex-Patriots QB Bailey Zappe to practice squad

Quarterback Bailey Zappe apparently wasn't unemployed long.

Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that Zappe, who was released Tuesday by the New England Patriots, will be signing the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad.

Contract terms were not reported.

Also Wednesday, NFL Network said the Chiefs were signing veteran running back Samaje Perine to their active roster.

Zappe, 25, will join entrenched All-Pro starter Patrick Mahomes and backup quarterback Carson Wentz in the quarterback room.

Zappe played in 14 games the past two seasons, starting eight, for the Patriots and was 4-4. He completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 2,053 yards with 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

While Zappe, 25, relieved an ineffective Mac Jones last season, he was buried on the QB roster this spring and summer behind veteran Jacoby Brissett and rookies Drake Maye and Joe Milton III. Maye was the No. 3 overall pick of the draft, while Milton was taken in the sixth round.

Zappe was 15-of-25 passing for 137 yards in the preseason.

Perine, who turns 29 next month, was cut Tuesday by the Denver Broncos and teams got day to a required 53-man roster.

A fourth-round draft pick in 2017, Perine has played for Washington (2017-19), the Miami Dolphins (2019), Cincinnati Bengals (2019-22) and Broncos.

He appeared in 17 games (one start) in Denver and gained 693 yards from scrimmage with a touchdown.

In 93 career games (12 starts), he has 3,021 rushing and receiving yards and 14 scores.

Chiefs' Travis Kelce buys stake of aptly named race horse

Chiefs' Travis Kelce buys stake of aptly named race horse

Maybe Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce decided to buy a share of a race horse because of its name: Swift Delivery.

Kelce, who has won three Super Bowls, began dating music superstar Taylor Swift last summer.

Bloodhorse reported Tuesday that Kelce joined with the Zoldan Family -- owners of Phantom Fireworks -- to buy a "significant share" of interest in the 3-year-old gelding.

Per the report, Kelce attended the Kentucky Derby in May with the Zoldans.

Kelce's financial stake in the horse is unknown, but he should be able to afford it. This week, he and his brother, recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, signed a three-year deal with Amazon's Wondery for the rights to their popular podcast -- "New Heights With Jason and Travis Kelce" -- that reportedly is worth more than $100 million.

Swift Delivery has two wins this summer, including an allowance race July 19 at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto. Trained by Mark Casse, Swift Delivery is schedule to run his first stakes race on Saturday in the $125,000 Toronto Cup at Woodbine.

Report: Chiefs acquire TE Peyton Hendershot from Cowboys

Report: Chiefs acquire TE Peyton Hendershot from Cowboys

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired tight end Peyton Hendershot from the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday in exchange for a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2026, NFL Network reported.

The Cowboys had reportedly been set to cut Hendershot on Tuesday.

Hendershot, 25, played in 25 games (three starts) for the Cowboys over the past two seasons with 15 receptions and two touchdowns after he went undrafted out of Indiana.

Reports: Chiefs waive WR Kadarius Toney

Reports: Chiefs waive WR Kadarius Toney

Kadarius Toney's time with the Kansas City Chiefs apparently has come to an end.

Multiple outlets reported Tuesday that the Chiefs were waiving Toney, 25, a former first-round draft pick who had an up-and-down stay in Kansas City.

The Chiefs acquired Toney from the Giants, who selected him No. 20 overall in the 2021, in October 2022 after he'd worn out his welcome in New York.

Toney was a key contributor for the Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, when he caught a 5-yard pass to give the Chiefs a one-point lead early in the fourth quarter. Less than three minutes later, he returned a punt a Super Bowl-record 65 yards to the 5-yard line to set up the winning score as the Chiefs prevailed 38-35.

In 2023, a series of dropped passes and then a key offsides penalty in a late-season loss to the Buffalo Bills summarized his season, and he didn't see action in the final seven games, including the Chiefs' Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

He finished the 2023 season with just 27 receptions, 169 yards and a touchdown.

Since then, the Chiefs brought in wide receivers Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster, and they used their first-round draft pick in April on Texas wideout Xavier Worthy.

Report: Chiefs bring back WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

Report: Chiefs bring back WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

The Chiefs are bringing back veteran wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, NFL Network reported Monday.

He caught 78 passes for 933 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games (14 starts) with Kansas City in 2022, adding 10 grabs for 89 yards in the postseason for the Super Bowl LVII champs.

Smith-Schuster, 27, had 29 receptions for 260 yards and one score in 11 games (seven starts) in 2023 with the New England Patriots, who released him earlier this month.

A second-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2017 and a Pro Bowl selection in 2018, Smith-Schuster has 430 catches for 5,048 yards and 30 TDs in 90 games (72 starts) with the Steelers (2017-21), Chiefs and Patriots.

Reports: Chiefs make Creed Humphrey highest-paid center in NFL

Reports: Chiefs make Creed Humphrey highest-paid center in NFL

The Kansas City Chiefs and center Creed Humphrey agreed on a four-year, $72 million extension that includes $50 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid player at his position in the NFL, multiple outlets reported Thursday.

Humphrey has started every game for the Chiefs since they selected him in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has anchored the Chiefs' offensive line during his first three years in the league, helping Kansas City win back-to-back Super Bowls.

The 25-year-old didn't miss a game in his first three seasons, starting all 51 regular-season games and 10 more in the playoffs. Humphrey has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the past two seasons as he's helped protect one of the league's biggest stars, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Kansas City is 37-14 since adding Humphrey to the offensive line and is looking to become the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowl titles.

Patrick Mahomes donates $5M to Texas Tech project

Patrick Mahomes donates $5M to Texas Tech project

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, donated the final $5 million needed to fund a major renovation project at his alma mater, Texas Tech.

The university announced Thursday the donation from the couple to the South End Zone and Dustin R. Womble Football Center project, bringing the fundraising for the project to $115 million, part of the $242 million Campaign for Fearless Champions initiative that launched when Mahomes was a freshman at the Lubbock, Texas, school in 2014.

Texas Tech will name the walkthrough area in the Womble center after Mahomes, as well as the Red Raiders' quarterback meeting room and the offensive coordinator's office.

Since leaving Texas Tech, Mahomes has won three Super Bowl championships and been named NFL Most Valuable Player three times.

"We couldn't be prouder to announce this gift from Patrick and Brittany Mahomes," said Kirby Hocutt, the Texas Tech athletic director. "We are so proud of Patrick for all he has accomplished and how he has continually supported Texas Tech on a global scale."

Mahomes, 28, is a member of the Texas Tech Hall of Fame and the Ring of Honor. In July, the school signed a 10-year partnership deal with Adidas to feature Mahomes' signature Gladiator logo on Texas Tech uniforms and other apparel.

"There isn't a greater ambassador for Texas Tech Athletics than Patrick Mahomes," head coach Joey McGuire said. "He is arguably the best brand in sports, not only for his success on the field but for what he and his family do off it."

Andy Reid: Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder) will be 'OK'

Andy Reid: Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder) will be 'OK'

Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who left Wednesday's practice on a cart with a shoulder injury, apparently did not suffer a serious injury.

Taylor did not practice Thursday and won't play Saturday in a home preseason game against the Detroit Lions. However, coach Andy Reid said the 26-year-old Taylor is on the mend.

"He won't play this weekend, but I think he's going to be OK," Reid said, per the team website.

Cornerback Jaylen Watson, also recovering from a shoulder injury, is not expected to play against the Lions. Neither is wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown, who could be out as long as six weeks because of a sternoclavicular (collarbone area) injury he sustained last Saturday in a loss at Jacksonville.

Those who will see action include the Chiefs' starters, with Reid stating he expects that group to play for as long as a half. That includes starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Taylor started every game for the Chiefs in 2023 en route to a Super Bowl victory. The Chiefs signed him to a four-year, $80 million contract in free agency in March 2023.

Taylor has started all 83 games he has played in since being selected in the second round of the 2019 draft by the Jaguars. In fact, Taylor has yet to miss a game in his pro career.

Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder) leaves practice on cart

Chiefs RT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder) leaves practice on cart

Kansas City Chiefs stalwart right tackle Jawaan Taylor left Wednesday's practice on a cart with a shoulder injury, however ESPN reported the team is "not overly concerned."

It's unclear how Taylor was injured or how much time he'll miss. Lucas Niang took over for Taylor for the remainder of the practice.

Taylor, 26, started every game for the Chiefs in 2023 en route to a Super Bowl victory. The Chiefs signed him to a four-year, $80 million contract in free agency in March 2023.

Taylor has started all 83 games he's played in since being selected in the second round of the 2019 draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. In fact, Taylor has yet to miss a game in his pro career.

Report: WR Marquise Brown (shoulder) to miss 4-6 weeks

Report: WR Marquise Brown (shoulder) to miss 4-6 weeks

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will be sidelined four to six weeks with a shoulder injury, Bleacher Report reported Tuesday.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Monday that Brown will not need surgery on the dislocated sternoclavicular joint in his left shoulder.

Brown, 27, was discharged from a Jacksonville-area hospital Sunday morning after being hurt on the Chiefs' first offensive play in Saturday's 26-13 preseason loss to the Jaguars. He made the catch for 11 yards.

He signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City as a free agent in March. He had 51 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games (all starts) last season for the Arizona Cardinals.

Brown was a first-round draft choice (25th overall) by Baltimore in 2019 and has 313 career catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 games (65 starts) with the Ravens (2019-21) and Cardinals (2022-23).

The Chiefs open the regular season on Thursday, Sept. 5 against the visiting Baltimore Ravens.

No surgery for Chiefs WR Marquise Brown (shoulder)

No surgery for Chiefs WR Marquise Brown (shoulder)

The shoulder injury that sent Kansas City wide receiver Marquise Brown to the hospital this weekend will not require surgery, Chiefs coach Andy Reid confirmed Monday.

Brown, 27, was discharged from a Jacksonville-area hospital Sunday morning after dislocating the sternoclavicular joint in his left shoulder in Saturday's 26-13 preseason loss to the Jaguars.

Brown, who is now back in Kansas City, was hurt on the Chiefs' first offensive play of the game. He made the catch for 11 yards.

Brown signed a one-year, $7 million deal with Kansas City as a free agent in March. He had 51 catches for 574 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games (all starts) last season for the Arizona Cardinals.

He was a first-round draft choice (25th overall) by Baltimore in 2019 and has 313 career catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 games (65 starts) with the Ravens (2019-21) and Cardinals (2022-23).

Chiefs WR Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown released from hospital

Chiefs WR Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown released from hospital

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown was discharged from a Jacksonville-area hospital Sunday morning, hours after he sustained a dislocation of his sternoclavicular shoulder joint in his team's 26-13 preseason loss to the Jaguars.

Brown, who was cleared to return to Kansas City, was injured on the Chiefs' first offensive play of the game. He made the catch for 11 yards.

"He'll miss some time," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Saturday of Brown.

Brown signed with Kansas City in the offseason as a free agent. He received a one-year, $7 million deal.

Brown, 27, had 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns last season in 14 games for the Arizona Cardinals.

Brown was a first-round draft choice (25th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. He had career bests of 91 receptions and 1,008 yards in 2021 during his third and final season with the Ravens.

He was traded after the season and spent the last two seasons with the Cardinals. He has 313 career catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 games (65 starts).

Chiefs WR Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown injures shoulder

Chiefs WR Marquise 'Hollywood' Brown injures shoulder

Kansas City Chiefs receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown departed Saturday's 26-13 preseason loss to the host Jacksonville Jaguars with a possible dislocated shoulder.

Brown was injured on Kansas City's first offensive play of the game. He made the catch for 11 yards.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said after the game that Brown was being examined for a dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint.

"They took him to the hospital and they will check him out," Reid said.

Brown signed with Kansas City in the offseason as a free agent. He received a one-year, $7 million deal.

Brown, 27, had 51 receptions for 574 yards and four touchdowns last season in 14 games for the Arizona Cardinals.

Brown was a first-round draft choice (25th overall) by the Baltimore Ravens in 2019. He had career bests of 91 receptions and 1,008 yards in 2021 during his third and final season with the Ravens.

He was traded after the season and spent the last two seasons with the Cardinals. He has 313 career catches for 3,644 yards and 28 touchdowns in 72 games (65 starts).

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice leaning on Patrick Mahomes, support system

Chiefs WR Rashee Rice leaning on Patrick Mahomes, support system

Rashee Rice remains under construction.

The Kansas City Chiefs' second-year wide receiver said in his first public comments since a six-car crash on March 30 that he's focusing on being a better person by building a support system of people who want him to succeed. That includes his quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

"He's been very important. He's there for me whenever I need him on or off the field," Rice said. "He's only a call away, and he's always going to pick up my call."

Rice declined to comment on the legal matters related to the car accident and wouldn't confirm reports that he met with the NFL about a possible suspension for his off-field conduct.

"The main thing for me is being able to be the best person I can be for my team so we can all come together and dominate," Rice said. "Just continue to surround myself with people that I want to be like and just continue to surround myself with people that allow me to grow."

Rice turned himself in to police several days after the accident in Dallas that left seven people with injuries, including at least one woman who sustained "serious bodily injury" and another who was stranded on the highway with her 4-year-old son for about five hours after the crash. Rice faces one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision involving injury for his involvement. Police said Rice was going as fast as 119 mph on a Dallas freeway.

"It's still a legal process. My (legal) team is handling that," Rice said Tuesday.

A second-round pick in 2023, Rice set the Chiefs' rookie record for receiving touchdowns (seven) and receptions (79) last season. He added 26 catches in the playoffs.

Rice recorded the second-most receiving yards by a rookie in Chiefs history (938), trailing only Dwayne Bowe (995).

But the process of maturing on the field is also ongoing for Rice, who has been a headliner in camp with his quickness and speed rattling defenders. He's joined in the wide receiver corps by newcomers Hollywood Brown and rookie first-round pick Xavier Worthy.

"We're electric," Rice said with a smile. "We're looking forward to putting on a show. We're ready to go out there and have fun with each other... We got football speed and real speed, but we all got speed."

'Punt God' Matt Araiza enjoying second chance with Chiefs

'Punt God' Matt Araiza enjoying second chance with Chiefs

Matt Araiza, who earned the nickname "Punt God" for his high, lengthy boots, often wondered if his NFL career was over before it even started.

He was released during training camp by the Buffalo Bills in 2022 and not due to performance. He was axed because he was accused of raping a 17-year-old girl at a party in October 2021 during his college career at San Diego State.

Now the punter for the Kansas City Chiefs, Araiza will be back on the field Saturday night for a road preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

And he's highly thankful to have received a second opportunity.

"Honestly, it kept going back and forth in my mind," Araiza said Monday of whether he'd be able to resume his career. "But yeah, there was a lot of moments where I thought it was over, so I'm incredibly grateful to be here."

Araiza, 24, missed the last two seasons while the legal issues were worked out.

The district attorney's office in San Diego declined to press criminal charges against Araiza in December 2022. Twelve months later, Araiza was dropped from the girl's lawsuit.

Kansas City then signed Ariaza in February, and the early returns are favorable.

"I like him. Just keep working. Consistency always as you go," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "You can see it. I mean, he's booming the thing. Be curious to see in games, let's see how he does there."

Booming punts have always been Araiza's thing. He unleashed an 82-yard punt in a preseason game for the Bills shortly before his release and he'll long be recalled as one of the top punters in college football history.

In the 2021 season at San Diego State, Araiza won the Ray Guy Award as the nation's top punter and set an NCAA record with a 51.19 punting average.

Now he's looking forward to seeing how he fares in the NFL.

"I feel like I've been punting really well," Araiza said. "I've continued to grow. That's probably my favorite part is, Day 1 here versus now, I'm continuing to get better, so I'm looking forward to that. Just continued growth."

Report: Chiefs make Harrison Butker highest-paid kicker

Report: Chiefs make Harrison Butker highest-paid kicker

The Kansas City Chiefs signed kicker Harrison Butker to a four-year extension that will make him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter Monday.

Butker's $25.6 million extension reportedly includes $17.75 million guaranteed. At $6.4 million a season, it makes him the highest-paid at his position on a per-year basis, topping Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's $6 million per season.

"There's no place I'd rather be than with the Chiefs, excited to finalize a 4 year extension. To the Heights!" Butker wrote on social media Monday.

Butker, 29, negotiated the deal on his own without the help of agents or lawyers, Schefter reported.

Butker set the Super Bowl record for longest field goal during the Chiefs' 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII earlier this year. Butker's 57-yard field goal with 5:01 left in the third quarter supplanted the previous record that had been set just one quarter earlier by 49ers rookie Jake Moody, who kicked a 55-yarder to give San Francisco an early 3-0 lead.

Originally drafted out of Georgia Tech by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Butker has played all seven of his NFL seasons with the Chiefs.

In 107 career games, he has connected on 89.1 percent of his field-goal attempts and 94.5 percent of his point-after tries.

He's kicked field goals of 53 yards or longer in all seven seasons, with a 62-yarder in 2022.

Chiefs' Clyde Edwards-Helaire opens up about PTSD diagnosis

Chiefs' Clyde Edwards-Helaire opens up about PTSD diagnosis

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire revealed over social media that he has experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder for over 5 1/2 years.

On Thursday, Edwards-Helaire shed light on the dark times he has experienced by going through PTSD -- such as flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety.

"Sometimes I'm admitted into the hospital, something like I can't stop throwing up and it's just, I (don't) know (anything) pretty much to stop it," Edwards-Helaire said.

"... Real bad dehydration ... but it's really just mentally just not being there. It is one of those things where early on guys who kind of pay attention like Travis (Kelce) and Kadarius (Toney) at times, they can even, they'll know ahead of time like, ‘OK, Clyde's not laughing, he's not giggling, he's not himself.'"

Edwards' words came three days after he opened up about his condition on social media.

"Living With PTSD is no small feat, its hard and very overwhelming," he wrote on Twitter. "Within the last month I've Had many flare ups and the Amazing staff here at the Chiefs have been helping me get through some tough times."

Edwards, 25, has missed multiple practices thus far during his four-year NFL career, with the team often listing his absences as illness-related.

As for when his PTSD started, Edwards-Helaire was quick to pinpoint the date: Dec. 22, 2018, one month after he and LSU teammate Jared Hall thwarted a robbery.

"My best friend and I got into a self-defense situation," Edwards-Helaire said. "That's probably where the majority of things stem from.

"I wouldn't necessarily say everything stemmed from that. I have best friends that passed away at young ages from gun violence and just not being in the right places at the right time and just knowing that I have people that are close to me or around me who ... could be in the same spots that I am."

Edwards-Helaire noted how his view of PTSD has changed over time.

"My first couple of years, you just try to block everything out and it's like, ‘Oh, at some point I'm going to get over it,'" he said. "And you start to realize that that just doesn't happen. You get older and you realize, ‘Hey, no matter the age, no matter the person, no matter the situation, everyone needs help at some point.' It takes courage to talk about it and having PTSD and dealing with it once people kind of bring it up, it is not something that I'd always want to talk about. I never really know how my body will react or my mind, it is just something that I can't really pinpoint or know exactly what's going to happen.

"I feel like talking is a big thing, but it is just getting over that hump personally, being able to know that honestly, just everybody goes through things good (and) bad ... It's a steppingstone. I'm just 25 years old and trying to live the rest of my life healthy."

Edwards-Helaire was the Chiefs' first-round draft pick (No. 32 overall) in 2020. He lost his starting job to Isiah Pacheco during the 2022 campaign, and 2023 saw his lowest production yet.

In 15 games (three starts) last season, Edwards-Helaire had 70 carries for 223 rushing yards and one touchdown. He also had 17 receptions for 188 yards and a touchdown.

Over 48 career games (32 starts), Edwards-Helaire has amassed 1,845 rushing yards, caught 89 passes for 765 yards and totaled 19 touchdowns (12 rushing, seven receiving).

Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney, LB Nick Bolton injured

Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney, LB Nick Bolton injured

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney and linebacker Nick Bolton both left Wednesday's training camp practice with injuries.

Tight end Izaiah Gathings and offensive tackles Chukwuebuka Godrick and McKade Mettauer also left the field at Missouri Western State University on carts.

Head coach Andy Reid said it was an elbow injury for Bolton, a hamstring issue for Gathings and ankle injuries for the other three players. The severity of the injuries is unknown.

Bolton, 24, was limited to eight games last season due to a wrist injury. The 2021 second-round pick has recorded 352 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks in 41 games (37 starts).

"He tweaked his elbow," Reid said of Bolton. "Just got it caught in between two guys."

Toney, 25, caught 27 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown in 13 games (two starts) for the Chiefs in 2023. He has 82 receptions for 760 yards and three TDs in 32 games (10 starts) with the New York Giants (2021-22) and Chiefs.

Underpaid in KC? Patrick Mahomes dishes on QB deals

Underpaid in KC? Patrick Mahomes dishes on QB deals

Patrick Mahomes' $450 million deal remains the NFL's gold standard when it comes to total contract value.

But the $45 million average annual value for the 10-year deal he reached in 2020 is suddenly tied for 11th among the league's quarterbacks.

The three-time Super Bowl MVP saw Miami's Tua Tagovailoa ($53.1 million average annual value) and Green Bay's Jordan Love ($55M AAV) recently surge past him on that chart, yet insists he does not feel underpaid.

"It's awesome for the game of football," Mahomes told USA Today Sports after practice at training camp Sunday.

"It's awesome for the quarterback position, but I think all positions. I know every time a contract comes up, everybody looks at my APY (average per year) and everything like that. I'm doing pretty well myself. For me, it's just about going out there trying to win football games, trying to make money for my family at the end of the day. I feel like I'm doing a great job of that."

Love and Tagovailoa became the latest members of the $50 million club, joining Cincinnati's Joe Burrow ($55M), Jacksonville's Trevor Lawrence ($55M), Detroit's Jared Goff ($53M), the Chargers' Justin Herbert ($52.5M), Baltimore's Lamar Jackson ($52M) and Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts ($51M), per Spotrac.

Arizona's Kyler Murray ($46.1M) and Cleveland's DeShaun Watson ($46M) also have bigger paychecks than the Kansas City superstar, who is tied in that 11th spot with Atlanta's Kirk Cousins.

Mahomes, 28, is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time NFL MVP who enters 2024 with a 74-22 record in the regular season and 15-3 in the playoffs. He has passed for 28,424 yards with 219 touchdowns and 63 interceptions.

Mahomes said he focuses on the big picture and the importance of playing for an organization that has remained competitive despite his hefty salary.

"I think we do a great job of managing my money, to be able to pay me a lot of money and keep a good team around me," he said. "I know we've kind of restructured it a couple of times and got the cash flow up in certain spots and certain years. It's about having a good dialogue, good communication with the front office, with ownership. We've done that here. And as we've been able to allow me to be a highly paid guy while at the same time build a great team around me."

Chiefs star DT Chris Jones sidelined with groin injury

Chiefs star DT Chris Jones sidelined with groin injury

Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones missed practice on Sunday due to a groin strain, coach Andy Reid said.

Jones, a two-time first-team All-Pro selection who has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs, is fresh off signing a five-year contract extension in March worth just shy of $160 million.

The eight-year veteran, who has also been named to five Pro Bowls, has 75 1/2 sacks in his career, including 26 over the past two seasons combined. He was third in Defensive Player of the Year voting back in 2022.

Reid gave no indication of the severity of Jones' injury, nor did he disclose a timeline for his return to practice.

Also missing practice for Kansas City on Sunday were wide receivers Marquise Brown (illness) and Justin Watson (foot).

Patrick Mahomes on Raiders' puppet video: 'It'll get handled'

Patrick Mahomes on Raiders' puppet video: 'It'll get handled'

Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn't put much stock in the Las Vegas Raiders' recent attempt at humor.

The Raiders caused a stir on social media Thursday after video emerged of rookie safety Trey Taylor carrying a Kermit the Frog puppet. The Muppets character was sporting a Mahomes jersey and a wig reminiscent to the quarterback's curly hair.

It's a curious move by the Raiders to mock Mahomes -- you know, given his resume and his dominance in the rivalry between the AFC West rivals. The two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl champion was asked if the video would provide additional motivation when the teams meet on the field.

"Yeah, I mean, it's still early in the year. Stuff like that happens," Mahomes said Friday. "It'll get handled when it gets handled."

Mahomes, 28, traditionally has handled the Raiders, posting a 10-2 record in 12 starts. He has completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 3,573 yards versus Las Vegas with 30 touchdowns and four interceptions.

The first chance Mahomes has to add to those totals is Oct. 27, when the Chiefs visit Las Vegas for a Week 8 clash. The division rivals will reconvene in Kansas City on Nov. 29.

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce downplayed the incident on Friday.

"We addressed it as a team yesterday and we nipped it in the bud. It's over with," Pierce said.

Chiefs WR Justin Watson injures foot in practice

Chiefs WR Justin Watson injures foot in practice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justin Watson sustained a left foot injury during Wednesday's practice at training camp.

The severity of the injury was not immediately known for Watson, who was able to walk to the sideline before he was carted back to the locker room.

Watson, 29, had 27 catches for 460 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games (eight starts) last season.

The three-time Super Bowl champion has 65 receptions for 1,033 yards and seven scores in 73 career games (17 starts) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018-21) and Chiefs.

Chiefs S Justin Reid out with right quad injury

Chiefs S Justin Reid out with right quad injury

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid is listed as day-to-day with a right quad injury as training camp begins, coach Andy Reid said Sunday.

Justin Reid is on the team's non-football injury list after sustaining the injury between OTAs and the beginning of camp, the coach said. Justin Reid wore a sleeve on his right knee during the team's first full-squad practice on Sunday.

The safety played four seasons with the Houston Texans, who drafted him in the third round of the 2018 draft. Since signing a three-year contract worth $31.5 million with the Chiefs in March 2022, Justin Reid has amassed 178 tackles and 14 pass deflections with one interception during Kansas City's march to back-to-back Super Bowls victories.

The Chiefs open the season with a Thursday night game against the visiting Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 5. It will be a rematch of last season's AFC title game.

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