Patrick Mahomes without rookie weapon for Chiefs' season opener in Brazil

Nick McGee

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Patrick Mahomes without rookie weapon for Chiefs' season opener in Brazil image

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be down at least one offensive weapon fore their season opener in São Paulo, with rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals ruled out.

The Chiefs face the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil on Friday in an enticing divisional matchup with their AFC West rivals. 

Mahomes and the offense will be hoping to be much more explosive in 2025 after struggling in that regard even in a 2024 campaign that saw them once again reach the Super Bowl.

Kansas City had 49 plays of 20 yards or more last season. Only five teams managed fewer.

Fourth-round rookie Royals has the skill set to be an additional avenue to those explosive plays, but he will not be making the trip to South America.

Royals ruled out

Royals has been dealing with knee tendinitis and did not practice on Tuesday before the Chiefs made it official that he would not be involved in the opener by ruling him out on Wednesday.

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The former Utah State wide receiver received pre-draft comparisons to Deebo Samuel because of his ability to do damage after the catch. Royals averaged an impressive 7.9 yards per reception last season, per Pro Football Focus.

With Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games, Royals could have a role to play early in the season if he can shake off his lingering injury issues.

Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown and Juju Smith-Schuster are set to be the leading wideouts against the Chargers, with tight end Travis Kelce sure to remain a focal point of the offense.

The Chiefs host defending Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, potentially giving Royals an even bigger stage on which to make his debut if he can get healthy.

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Nick McGee

Nick McGee is a writer and sub-editor for The Sporting News. Nick has worked in sports media for more than a decade covering everything from football to F1 and beyond. He specialises particularly in US Sports as a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan, and has covered several Super Bowls.