With four expected starters sitting out Thursday’s preseason opener, the Chiefs defense welcomed some new names into their starting lineup.
And one rookie.
Fourth-round draft pick Armani Watts and Eric Murray started at safety, replacing Eric Berry and Daniel Sorensen. They were joined in the secondary by cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Steven Nelson.
With Reggie Ragland and Anthony Hitchens sidelined, second-year pro Ukeme Eligwe and Terrance Smith started at the inside linebacker spots. Justin Houston and Dee Ford were the edge rushers, with Chris Jones, Xavier Williams and Allen Bailey in the middle of the defensive line.