The Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason is nearly complete, having flown by as quickly as it began. After Thursday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears, Andy Reid’s squad will have a solid training camp and three preseason games behind them. That’s a significant amount of preparation for the regular season, but the real work is just beginning.

Following the final preseason game, teams face a crucial deadline. On August 27, all 32 NFL teams must trim their rosters from 90 players down to 53. Input from Reid, his coaching staff, and general manager Brett Veach will guide the Chiefs in making these critical decisions.

Several roster spots and depth chart positions are still up for grabs in Kansas City. With that in mind, where will Reid focus his attention this week? The future Hall of Fame coach says it’s not just one area but all of them.

“Really, all of them,” Reid said. “We’re playing so many young guys, and I want to see where we’re at there. We didn’t block and tackle very well with that second and third group on both sides of the ball. I really want to give them more of an opportunity. Sometimes the ones get a lot of reps in camp practices, so let’s get these guys some more reps, especially as we’re getting ready to cut down. It’s important to get a better feel for those guys in a game situation. I think this will be valuable for a lot of them. I can’t pinpoint just one position – I’m looking at all of them to see where we stand.”

Reid anticipates some tough decisions ahead, making the Bears game particularly crucial.

“I think there are going to be some tough moves,” Reid noted. “That’s why I like to give them extended play – we’ll see where we’re at. Maybe something will stand out. There’s good competition across the board. We’ll see how they perform.”

This year, all roster cuts happen at once, a change from the NFL’s usual approach. While this gives players more time to showcase their abilities and teams more time to evaluate, it also reduces the window for players to catch on with another team if cut. It’s a double-edged sword, adding to the end-of-preseason intensity.

Like every team, the Chiefs can’t keep everyone. Beyond the 53-man roster, practice squad spots are limited. Many players who don’t make the final cut will find opportunities elsewhere, a reality of the NFL. Teams must make choices that balance immediate needs with long-term goals.

With most Chiefs starters likely sitting out Thursday’s game, it’s a prime opportunity for depth players to make an impression, whether with Kansas City or another team. As cornerback Trent McDuffie points out, that’s a message Reid has reinforced.

“One thing I tell them, like Coach Reid always says, is that the tape is your resume,” McDuffie said. “Even if you don’t make it on this squad, there are 31 other teams out there watching this film. No matter how many plays you get, no matter what you do out there, make sure you put on your best display because you don’t know who’s watching.”