As the NFL preseason progresses, the Kansas City Chiefs, like all teams, must whittle down their roster to 53 players. This pivotal time highlights players on the bubble whose performance in the coming weeks could determine their fate.

For the Chiefs, several players who have yet to solidify their roles face uncertain futures. Here, we examine four players whose roster spots are in jeopardy, questioning their ability to impact the team positively.

Kadarius Toney

Kadarius Toney’s tenure with the Chiefs has been tumultuous, fraught with injuries and underwhelming performances. After a promising start in 2022 with a memorable game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Toney’s subsequent availability and effectiveness have been hampered by health issues.

Despite his versatility, being utilized at both wide receiver and running back during this offseason, his injury-prone past and inconsistent route running are concerning. With frequent injuries even during this training camp, Toney’s role on the final roster remains a significant gamble.

Mecole Hardman

Mecole Hardman, known for his speed, finds himself in a position where that attribute alone might not be enough to secure his place. The Chiefs’ receiving corps has become faster and more skilled, diminishing Hardman’s unique edge.

Although familiar with the Chiefs’ offensive playbook, his contributions are often limited to specific scenarios such as end-arounds or quick passes. Moreover, his ball security issues, highlighted by critical fumbles in last year’s playoffs, raise doubts about his reliability.

Matt Dickerson

On the defensive line, Matt Dickerson’s struggle to make a noticeable impact gives the Chiefs pause. Despite the team’s lack of depth at defensive tackle, Dickerson’s performance has been underwhelming.

He often struggles with high pad levels and lacks effective hand techniques to counteract blockers, limiting his effectiveness in penetrating the offensive line. Should the Chiefs maintain him on their roster, it would likely be for sheer depth rather than expectation of a breakout performance.

Malik Herring

Similar to Dickerson, Malik Herring’s situation is made precarious by the lack of depth at his position. As a defensive end, Herring has shown flashes of potential but lacks a consistent pass-rush threat.

With injuries to key players like Charles Omenihu, Herring’s role could expand by necessity rather than merit. Although he possesses physical prowess, his repertoire of moves and impact on run defense have been inconsistent, making his potential inclusion on the roster a decision driven by the lack of available alternatives.

As the Chiefs edge closer to the regular season, these players represent some of the enigmatic talents whose continued tenure in Kansas City may hinge more on potential and positional need rather than proven performance. Their upcoming preseason outings will be critical in determining whether they can overcome their limitations and secure their spots on the roster.