Chiefs and Chargers Reveal Week 1 Inactives in Brazil Showdown
The 2025 NFL season kicked off in a special way with the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers facing off in São Paulo, Brazil. But before the players took the field, the usual game-day tradition of announcing inactives set the tone for who would and would not be suited up for this international matchup.
For Kansas City, the list was headlined by some young talent who fans were eager to see. Wide receiver Jalen Royals and tight end Jared Wiley were both ruled out, taking away potential depth in Patrick Mahomes’ passing options. Running back Elijah Mitchell also didn’t make the cut, which meant the Chiefs leaned even more on their primary backs to carry the ground game. On the defensive side, rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott and defensive end Malik Herring were sidelined, leaving the defensive front a little thinner. Offensive lineman Hunter Norzad was also inactive, affecting depth in the trenches.
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Across the sideline, the Chargers’ inactive list featured its own set of surprises. Rookie wide receiver and tight end Oronde Gadsden, who had been gaining some buzz in camp, was unable to go. Safety R.J. Mickens and cornerback Nikko Reed, also both rookies, were sidelined, keeping some young defensive backs out of action in their first NFL opportunity. Outside linebacker Kyle Kennard and tackle Foster Sarell joined the list, along with tight end Tucker Fisk and defensive lineman Naquan Jones. The absences meant the Chargers’ rotations were impacted, especially on defense.
Interestingly, tackle Mekhi Becton, who had been added late to the injury report with an illness, was cleared to play. His availability helped stabilize the offensive line in a critical division matchup.
Playing this opener in Brazil was more than just a football game—it was a historic event for both franchises and for the NFL’s international expansion. Fans in São Paulo packed the stadium, bringing energy and excitement to a matchup that already carried weight as a divisional clash between two AFC West rivals.
The inactive lists may not grab the headlines the way touchdowns and highlight plays do, but they quietly shape the flow of a game. Depth gets tested, backups step into bigger roles, and strategies shift depending on who is available. For both Kansas City and Los Angeles, Week 1 was about more than just X’s and O’s—it was about adapting on the fly in front of a global audience.
As kickoff unfolded, anticipation filled the air. The stage was set, the rosters trimmed, and the season officially underway—with the world watching.
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