The Kansas City Chiefs continue to get discouraging injury news heading into Week 2. On Wednesday, KSHB’s Nick Jacobs reported that rookie Jalen Royals (in addition to Xavier Worthy) would not be practicing.

For Royals, this is an incredibly frustrating update on a player who’s yet to make his NFL debut. The rookie was described throughout camp and early preseason action as a slightly less dominating version of Rashee Rice. There was a sense of belief he could help shoulder the load alongside Worthy until Rice was able to return in the middle of October.

Yet, it appears that after missing Week 1 with knee tendinitis, that will continue to be the case in Kansas City’s home opener as well.

Chiefs Rookie Receiver Jalen Royals Continues to Struggle with Injuries Delaying Awaited Debut

Hollywood Brown was Mahomes’ primary target in Brazil with the bulk of this production being on short throws inside the sticks. The veteran would finish the night with 10 catches for 99 yards. JuJu Smith-Schuster stepped up as well, with the duo serving as the primary options with Kansas City losing a trio of receivers.

For Royals, it’s a missed opportunity if the pass catcher cannot help the current injuries. With Rice and Worthy out of the lineup for the next weeks of the season, the rookie would be guaranteed a healthy number of snaps. That’d allow Mahomes to build chemistry with the fourth-rounder, while Reid could get ahead on evaluating the receiver as a potential long-term fit.

Comparing Royals to Rice before ever playing a snap with the organization speaks to just how high expectations had become. However, this injury makes it’s far more difficult to carve out a role with less runway before Kansas City’s top two targets return from injury.

Fans will continue to keep a close eye on as speculation continues as to how the franchise is going to fill the void. Whether it’s pulling off a blockbuster trade for someone like Tyreek Hill, or finding a current rostered player who takes a leap, there is no questioning that the next weeks could be unpredictable in KC.