qq. Isiah Pacheco breaks it down: “People think our season is over. For us, these last three games are where everything gets decided.” What’s really happening inside the Chiefs’ locker room?

Kansas City has officially closed the door on postseason contention and turned its attention toward the future. With playoff hopes gone, the Chiefs have decided to shut down several key starters over the final three weeks of the regular season.

The move is not viewed internally as surrender. Instead, the organization is using the remaining schedule as a controlled evaluation window, prioritizing health, long term planning, and clarity over short term results in games with no standings implications.

Those decisions have created opportunities for younger players. The final three games now serve as a live audition, allowing the coaching staff to evaluate real game performance rather than relying solely on practice reps or limited rotational snaps.

On the defensive front, Ashton Gillotte has earned extended playing time. The rookie edge rusher flashed awareness and effort earlier in the season, convincing coaches he deserves a sustained look against starting caliber offensive tackles.

The secondary is undergoing similar evaluation. Cornerback Nohl Williams has been placed in more demanding coverage situations, a test designed to determine whether he can handle expanded responsibilities as roster turnover becomes likely after the season.

At linebacker, Jeffrey Bassa’s role is expanding beyond special teams. The Chiefs are closely monitoring whether his athleticism and instincts translate consistently when he is tasked with full defensive assignments.

Offensively, wide receiver Jalen Royals enters a pivotal stretch. Drafted for upside, he now has a chance to show whether his skill set can withstand NFL speed, physical coverage, and weekly defensive adjustments.

Tight end Jared Wiley faces perhaps the most consequential evaluation. Returning from a serious ACL injury, the next three games will help determine whether he can reclaim form and factor into Kansas City’s offensive plans moving forward.

For the Chiefs, wins and losses are no longer the priority. These final weeks are about evidence. When offseason decisions arrive, roles will be decided by what players showed on the field, snap by snap, under real NFL conditions.

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