KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs got a good look at several of their rookies in their preseason opener against the Rams on Saturday, but fans left wanting to see more of Cyrus Allen.
The rookie wide receiver out of Cincinnati caught two passes for 20 yards in the Chiefs’ 20-12 loss at Arrowhead Stadium, including a leaping catch over the middle and a screen where he showed some speed and elusiveness, but that play was called back because of a penalty.
“He’s been doing well in camp before he got hurt and then when he’s come back the past couple days he’s been back,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “It looked like he picked right up from there. And I thought he did a nice job for the most part there catching the football and route running. He’s got some quickness to him, so I’m looking forward to getting him fully healthy and ready to go.”
Allen is vying to be the team’s third or fourth wide receiver and with Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton all sitting out Saturday, Allen only strengthened his case.
“He’s got a good feel and he knows how to set routes up,” Reid said. “Sometimes it takes a while for young guys to learn that, but he’s got a good feel for that.”
Allen said veterans like Rice and Travis Kelce have been helping him constantly and it shows.
“I’m learning from the best, so I’m definitely confident,” Allen said. “The vets, they’re on me each and every day.”
Rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed 13 of 19 passes for 98 yards and rookie running back Emmett Johnson added 12 carries for 59 yards.
Harrison Butker kicked four field goals for the Chiefs, including a 59-yarder.
The Chiefs will be back in action next Saturday when they travel to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers.
