Chiefs WR Jalen Royals injury update for Week 1.
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Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals is dealing with a knee injury.
Several young players at Kansas City Chiefs mandatory minicamp are trying to make a good impression.
The Chiefs have a lot of roster spots up for grabs after retooling during the offseason following a disappointing 6-11 2025 season. Filling those roles with young, affordable talent is always ideal.
WR Jalen Royals Has Strong Showing During Day 2 of Kansas City Chiefs Mandatory Minicamp
GettyChiefs WR Jalen Royals
Kansas City wrapped up the second practice of their three-day mandatory minicamp on Wednesday. According to report from senior team reporter Matt McMullen, wide receiver Jalen Royals had a big day.
Matt McMullen
Day 2 of Chiefs minicamp is in the books! A few notes:
š Jalen Royals had a strong practice with multiple catches, including a full-extension grab in the end zone during 11-on-11
š Patrick Mahomes found Travis Kelce in the back of the end zone during 7-on-7. The connection
Jesse Newell of The Athletic also reported that Royals had an impressive practice, which earned a shoutout from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Jesse Newell
Just back from Chiefs minicamp practice open to reporters. A few notes from today: ā¢ CB Mansoor Delane was without a helmet for a second straight day and didnāt participate in drills. Weāll get an update from coach Andy Reid tomorrow. ā¢ RB Ken Walker had one of the top
With Rashee Rice missing camp due to serving jail time, Royals appears to be taking advantage of increased opportunities. He instantly drew comparisons to Rice when the Chiefs drafted him last year given their similar body types and yards after the catch abilities.
Royals was a fourth-round draft pick for the Chiefs in 2025. He impressed during training camp and preseason, even getting some run with the first-team offense. Unfortunately, Royals sustained knee tendinitis during the second preseason game, which majorly halted the momentum he was building.
When he recovered and returned, he was buried on the depth chart after missing so much time, as well as Rice having returned from his six-game suspension. By the time Royals started getting some playing time, Chris Oladokun was at the helm at quarterback, and the Chiefsā season was dead. Royals is now fully healthy, and has a year of experience in coach Andy Reidās offensive playbook.
Chiefs Have Several Young WRs Stepping Up
Chiefs WR Cyrus Allen
GettyChiefs WR Cyrus Allen
Royals putting it all together in 2026 and having a breakout season would be huge for Kansas City. Reid recently gave him a big vote of confidence.
āRoyals is strong,ā Reid told 95.7 The Fan. āHeās out here doing our offseason program. Heās [made] good, strong catches. His hands are strong. His core strength is strong, a lot like Rashee (Rice) that way. Heās put together with a great core strength area. Heās a smart kid. Those are all things that I think will benefit him in his second year.ā
Another young receiver who could contribute in 2026 is rookie Cyrus Allen. The Chiefs selected Allen in the fifth-round of this yearās draft. Allen is considered to already be a polished route runner and has a knack for getting open against zone coverage. Those abilities could make him a contributor quickly.
During Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, undrafted free agent Jeff Caldwell raised eyebrows with a toe-tapping touchdown catch in the back of the endzone. Caldwell is physically imposing at 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds, and possesses blazing 4.3 40-yard dash speed. He still needs to develop as a route runner and shore up his hands, but has all the athletic gifts to round out his game.
Not to be forgotten is Jason Brownlee. He made the Chiefsā 53-man roster following an impressive preseason, but was demoted to the practice squad when Rice returned from suspension. Brownlee is a big target at 6-foot-3 who can high-point the ball. The experience he gained last year could set him up for even more success in 2026.