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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the media on Thursday for phase 3 of OTAs. He shared the early progress of second-year players Esa Pole and Jalen Royals.
"They're (Jalen Royals and Esa Pole) rotating in with the first group. With Rashee (Rice) not here, it gives Jalen (Royals) some great reps at the wide receiver position," said Reid, "He's strong – he looks strong out here and (is) running well and that whole deal. It's great for him and the quarterbacks to see what he is all about on repeated reps.
An early preseason knee injury delayed Royals' start to last season; he wasn't active until Week 3 against the New York Giants. The former Utah State star had his first NFL reception during the Week 18 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He finished the game with two catches for four yards on three targets.
"Yeah, Esa (Pole), you can tell that he really worked this offseason. He looks strong out there. He's a smart kid when you really get to know him," said Reid, "He doesn't have a ton of experience, but he's a smart kid, and he gets it. So, he's getting reps in there with the starters and kind of rotating in. (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) does a nice job of rotating those guys at guard – and tackle."
During Week 14 against the Houston Texans, the Chiefs were without three of their offensive linemen. In the first regular-season game of his career, and against one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, he performed well. Pole allowed only one sack in 275 offensive snaps played as he finished the 2025 season as the starting left tackle. He played in 5 games, starting 4.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals OTAs progress of Esa Pole, Jalen Royals
Continue reading...
"They're (Jalen Royals and Esa Pole) rotating in with the first group. With Rashee (Rice) not here, it gives Jalen (Royals) some great reps at the wide receiver position," said Reid, "He's strong – he looks strong out here and (is) running well and that whole deal. It's great for him and the quarterbacks to see what he is all about on repeated reps.
An early preseason knee injury delayed Royals' start to last season; he wasn't active until Week 3 against the New York Giants. The former Utah State star had his first NFL reception during the Week 18 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. He finished the game with two catches for four yards on three targets.
"Yeah, Esa (Pole), you can tell that he really worked this offseason. He looks strong out there. He's a smart kid when you really get to know him," said Reid, "He doesn't have a ton of experience, but he's a smart kid, and he gets it. So, he's getting reps in there with the starters and kind of rotating in. (Offensive Line Coach) Andy (Heck) does a nice job of rotating those guys at guard – and tackle."
During Week 14 against the Houston Texans, the Chiefs were without three of their offensive linemen. In the first regular-season game of his career, and against one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, he performed well. Pole allowed only one sack in 275 offensive snaps played as he finished the 2025 season as the starting left tackle. He played in 5 games, starting 4.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals OTAs progress of Esa Pole, Jalen Royals
Continue reading...
