Chiefs players under the most pressure heading into 2026 season

Left tackle Josh Simmons, running back Kenneth Walker, and wide receiver Xavier Worthy head the list of Kansas City's players under the most pressure heading into 2026. Simmons must stay healthy for a full 17-game slate after a path colored by personal leave and injuries, with the team not adding tackle depth this offseason. Walker is charged with becoming a game-changing back to spark a previously stagnant run game, while maintaining consistency over 17 games. Worthy regressed in 2025 after a shoulder injury and a shift in roles when Rashee Rice returned, leaving him to play on the boundary; the Chiefs need him closer to his rookie form to complement Rice and Travis Kelce.