Kansas City, MO – After 10 weeks of the 2025 NFL season, Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals has yet to take a single offensive snap — and now head coach Andy Reid has revealed why.
For more than two months, Chiefs fans have questioned why Royals — a dynamic playmaker in college and one of the team’s most intriguing mid-round additions — has not cracked the game-day rotation. Many assumed the delay came from depth chart competition or minor injuries, but Reid made the situation clear:
the issue is discipline, not talent.
“He’s got juice, no question,” Reid said. “But in Kansas City, we don’t put players on the field because they flash potential. You earn your snaps by mastering the details, understanding the system, and proving you’re reliable.”
Jalen Royals, drafted by the Chiefs in 2025 after a breakout career at Utah State, arrived in Kansas City with expectations fueled by his speed, separation ability, and big-play production. In college, Royals earned national attention for his route-running versatility and explosive yards-after-catch numbers.
But adjusting to the complexity of the Chiefs’ offense — one of the NFL’s most sophisticated systems — has proven to be a major hurdle.
According to team sources, Royals has struggled with timing routes, misread coverage adjustments, and at times lined up incorrectly in practice. Coaches noted inconsistencies in his preparation and frustration with his ability to fully absorb Kansas City’s extensive playbook through the first10 weeks of the season.
Reid’s decision reflects the philosophy that has shaped the Chiefs’ offensive machine for a decade.
“This offense is built on precision,” Reid said. “Patrick (Mahomes) needs guys who are exactly where they’re supposed to be. If you’re not ready mentally, you’re not getting on the field — no matter how athletic you are.”
For now, Royals remains inactive on game days, working closely with wide receivers coach Connor Embree to refine his route discipline, coverage recognition, and overall mental preparation. Despite his slow start, the coaching staff remains confident that his physical tools can translate once he buys fully into the Chiefs’ standard.
Internally, optimism hasn’t faded. Royals’ acceleration, footwork, and playmaking instincts continue to impress coaches in flashes — but consistency is the key to unlocking his role alongside Mahomes.
Reid closed with a firm message that defines Chiefs culture:
“He’s going to be a good player. But in Kansas City, talent doesn’t get you on the field — trust does. And trust comes from discipline.”
