Andy Reid says Chiefs’ rookie Cyrus Allen ‘knows how to set routes up

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 15: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen (13) runs the ball during the first half against the Los Angeles Rams on August 15th at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by William Purnell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The rookies headlined the Kansas City Chiefs ’ 20-12 preseason-opening loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid acknowledged that as he opened his post-game press conference

“We were able to get a good look at some of our young guys,” Reid told local media. “I thought there was some real production on both sides of the ball from the young guys.”

Rookie running back Emmett Johnson led the team in rushing, but wide receiver Cyrus Allen made a lot of noise with just two catches for 20 yards. He stood out in training camp for having chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but he was a reliable target for the backup quarterbacks on Saturday as well.

This guy sure doesn't play like a rookie… pic.twitter.com/LeLd962yEI

— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) August 15, 2026

“He has been doing well in camp,” Reid said about Allen. “[It] looked like he picked right up from there. I thought he did a nice job for the most part there on catching the football and route running; he has some quickness to him. [We] look forward to getting him fully healthy and ready to go.”

Early on, Allen caught a third pass for a chains-moving run after the catch from quarterback Justin Fields that showed off his elusiveness. The play was called back for offensive pass interference by teammate Jalen Royals, but Allen’s movement is a clear differentiator from the rest of the group, whether it’s before or after the pass gets to him.

“He has a good feel, and he has good quickness,” Reid described Allen. “He knows how to set routes up, which sometimes takes a while for young guys to learn, but he has a good feel for that.”

Cyrus Allen told me, "My biggest pet peeve is not to be open."

— Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) August 15, 2026

The fifth-round rookie wideout looks like a veteran on the field, and has since training camp started. Aside from going up and securing a high pass from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, he also secured a pass low and away from a defender in tight coverage earlier in that drive.

With the fourth spot in the Chiefs’ receiving corps up for grabs, Allen has done everything he can to stand out from the competition of Royals, Nikko Remigio and others.

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