RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 15: Place kicker Harrison Butker #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a second quarter field goal during the NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium on August 15, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Kansas City Chiefs lost the first preseason game of the 2026 campaign to the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 20-12.
Rookie running back Emmett Johnson led the Chiefs in rushing with 59 yards over 12 attempts, while seventh-round pick rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards. Second-year tight end Jake Briningstool led Chiefs receivers with 29 catches over three receptions.
Third-year safety Jaden Hicks led the defense with seven total tackles and added a pass breakup to stop an early drive in the red zone.
Kicker Harrison Butker was the only scorer of the day for Kansas City, making all four of his field-goal attempts.
First Quarter
The Chiefs’ defense opened the game by forcing a three-and-out, capped by a third-down pass breakup from Nohl Williams.
Kansas City’s offense picked up a quick first down on a pass from Justin Fields to Brashard Smith, but the drive stalled after an offensive pass interference penalty on Jalen Royals.
The Rams moved 73 yards on their second possession before the Chiefs’ defense tightened up inside the 10-yard line. Safety Jaden Hicks broke up a third-down pass in the end zone, forcing Los Angeles to settle for a field goal. Taking an early 3-0 lead.
On the Chiefs’ next possession, Fields connected with Armstrong for 17 yards, picking up another early first down. Once again, a penalty put Kansas City behind the sticks, eventually leading to another punt.
Second Quarter
The Chiefs’ defense opened the second quarter with another three-and-out. Felix Anudike-Uzomah created pressure off the edge that resulted in a holding penalty, which Kansas City declined before the Rams punted.
Kansas City turned to rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who got the offense moving. A holding penalty wiped out a touchdown run from rookie running back Emmett Johnson, forcing the Chiefs to settle for a Harrison Butker field goal to tie the game 3-3.
Rookie quarterback Ty Simpson used a couple of rollout passes to move the chains for Los Angeles. Safety Jaden Hicks helped halt the drive with a tackle for loss followed by a quick tackle on a short completion. Harrison Mevis connected on a 40-yard field goal to give the Rams a 6-3 lead.
Nussmeier responded with another productive drive, connecting with Cyrus Allen for 10 yards, Johnson for 11 and finding Jake Briningstool on a well-executed tight end screen. Butker finished the drive with a 35-yard field goal, sending the game into halftime tied 6-6.
Third Quarter
The Chiefs came out of the halftime break and quickly went three-and-out.
After giving up an 11-yard run on the second play of the Rams’ ensuing possession, Kansas City’s defense settled in and forced a punt after three short gains.
The Chiefs leaned completely on the running game on their next possession, handing the ball off 11 times for 54 yards without attempting a pass. Kansas City lined up to go for it on fourth-and-1, but a false start by Hunter Nourzad pushed the offense back. Harrison Butker came on and drilled a 59-yard field goal to give the Chiefs a 9-6 lead.
The Rams opened their next possession with a holding penalty, and the Chiefs’ defense took advantage of the setback to force a quick three-and-out.
Fourth Quarter
The Chiefs opened the drive by giving up a 13-yard sack. Facing third-and-21, Nussmeier took a deep shot downfield that fell through the arms of Jason Brownlee.
The Rams followed the drop with a 40-yard punt return to the Chiefs’ 23-yard line. Los Angeles quickly took advantage of the short field, with Ty Simpson finding Dean Connors for a 9-yard touchdown to give the Rams a 13-9 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Chris Oladokun took over at quarterback, and his first pass was initially ruled an interception before replay assist overturned the call. Oladokun followed with a 15-yard scramble, but the drive eventually stalled and Kansas City punted.
Simpson came back out firing, completing passes of 22, 13, 23 and 16 yards before connecting with Connors for his second touchdown of the game, extending the Rams’ lead to 20-9.
Oladokun answered with a productive drive of his own, including completions of 13 and 27 yards to running back Jaydn Ott. The drive stalled at the Rams’ 8-yard line, and Harrison Butker connected from 26 yards to cut the deficit to 20-12.
After Kansas City’s onside kick attempt failed, Rams running back Jordan Waters broke off a 26-yard run before Los Angeles finished the game with a series of kneel-downs.
Special teams notes
Kicker Harrison Butker made all four of his field-goal attempts, including a 59-yard kick.
Punter Matt Araiza landed three of his five punts inside the 20-yard line.
Rookie running back E.J. Smith had a notable kick return that gained 30 yards.
Wide receiver Nikko Remigio led all punt returners with a 19-yard gain on an early punt.
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