The Kansas City Chiefs fell to the Los Angeles Rams 20-12 in their preseason opener on Saturday, but the game’s aftermath brought more concern than just the score. Backup offensive tackle Chu Godrick suffered an ankle sprain in the second half, raising some alarms as the team navigates Patrick Mahomes’ ongoing knee recovery.
Head coach Andy Reid confirmed Godrick was the only player to leave the game with a significant injury. The 25-year-old tackle went down late in the fourth quarter and could not return. The Chiefs shared a mid-game update on social media indicating his return was questionable.
Depth Chart Implications
While Godrick isn’t a starter, depth on the offensive line is vital for a team eyeing the Super Bowl. Ankle sprains can vary widely in recovery time, from a week to several months, so the Chiefs will need to keep a close watch on his condition as they gear up for their next preseason matchup against Tampa Bay on August 22.
This injury comes at a precarious time, with Kansas City already exercising caution with their franchise quarterback, who is still recovering from a torn ACL and LCL. The offensive line must remain healthy as they head toward the regular season opener against Denver on September 14.
Silver Linings in a Losing Effort
Despite the loss, there were bright spots. Fifth-round rookie receiver Cyrus Allen caught two passes for 20 yards and drew praise from Reid. Undrafted free agent Andrew Armstrong also made an impact during the game.
Seventh-round quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards, showcasing his potential as the backup quarterback competition heats up. Justin Fields started with Mahomes sidelined, while Chris Oladokun also took the field as the team evaluates its depth chart behind the star QB.
Defensive back Jadon Canady briefly left the game for a concussion evaluation but cleared protocol and returned, avoiding serious injury.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs struggled offensively, failing to score a touchdown and settling for four field goals. While preseason results don’t dictate regular season success, this is a trend to keep an eye on as the team adjusts to new personnel following the departures of Isiah Pacheco and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown.
Fortunately, Reid confirmed that Godrick’s ankle sprain was the only notable injury, allowing the Chiefs to avoid a major setback. As they prepare for Tampa Bay next Saturday, staying healthy remains crucial for their championship aspirations, especially with the regular season just around the corner.