Chiefs Rookie WR Jalen Royals Aims to Impress in Preseason Opener Against Cardinals

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for their preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on July 22nd, 2025, one of the most intriguing storylines is the performance of rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals. Drafted in the fourth round, Royals has been making a strong impression in training camp and is expected to play a significant role in the Chiefs' offense, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice's suspension.

The Chiefs are using this preseason game as an opportunity to evaluate their roster and identify areas for improvement before their regular season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 7th, 2025. Head coach Andy Reid and his staff will be closely monitoring the team's performance, with a particular focus on the 2025 NFL Draft class, including Royals.

Royals, who has been compared to Rice since joining the Chiefs, could be a player that Patrick Mahomes and the other quarterbacks look to utilize heavily in the game against the Cardinals. This will allow the coaching staff to assess Royals' abilities against an unfamiliar opponent and determine how he fits into the team's plans for the upcoming season.

The Chiefs are entering the 2025 season with high expectations, and this preseason game against the Cardinals will be an important step in their preparation for the regular season. As the team continues to fine-tune its roster and game plan, the performance of Jalen Royals and the rest of the 2025 draft class will be closely watched by both the coaching staff and the passionate Chiefs fanbase.