Chiefs: 3 players who clinched a roster spot in the first preseason game

1. DE Tim Ward

Ward tied for the team lead with five total tackles against the 49ers (two tackles for loss), along with two sacks, two quarterback hits and a forced fumble. Pro Football Focus credited him with three total pressures in the game.

Ward saw the first regular season action of his career in Week 17 last season, with a sack and five tackles against the Los Angeles Chargers. So the preseason opener was a nice continuation of that momentum.

With Frank Clark’s status up in the air after two offseason arrests, the Chiefs could use all the pass rush prowess they can get right now. Alex Okafor and Taco Charlton should be helpful, but barring a notable outside signing Kansas City’s edge rusher mix is not flush with talent. Ward’s emergence could give them some much-needed internal help, if only to lengthen the depth chart with another useful player.

After the preseason opener it feels like someone will have to beat out Ward for a 53-man roster spot. Don’t bet on it happening, and he could be a sneaky difference maker for the Chiefs this year.