With Week 1 on the horizon, could Shane Buechele really unseat Chad Henne behind Patrick Mahomes on the Chiefs depth chart?
Buechele has gotten the bulk of the snap this season behind center. Andy Reid and Co. wanted to see what they had in the young former Texas product, and he has made the most of those attempts.
In his final preseason action on Thursday night against the Packers, Buechele went 11-for-17 with 166 yards and two touchdowns, thus outplaying his opponent, Jordan Love. Henne’s snaps have decreased every game, while Buechele continues to get playing time.
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Could Henne, Mahomes backup for three seasons, really be on the outs? It would be a surprise, but given Henne’s advanced age (37), it could be on the horizon. FanSided’s Matt Verderame discussed this possibility in a recent article:
“Henne isn’t likely to be cut — hence a surprise — but he’s got to be concerned about his position. He’s only played one series through two preseason games, while third-stringer and second-year man Shane Buechele has gotten the bulk of Kansas City’s snaps.”
Could Chiefs cut Chad Henne in favor of Shane Buechele?
The far more likely option to start the season is that Brett Veach moves Buechele to the practice squad, hoping no team takes a flyer on him, and holds onto Henne as the go-to veteran backup. Buechele has exceeded in the preseason, sure, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready for regular-season action.
Buechele was pleased with his performance on Thursday.
“It felt good, and it was a good night,” Buechele said, per The Athletic. “I’m glad we got the win to finish the preseason. The team did a great job from start to finish.”
If the Chiefs are true to their word, traditionally it means the player who performs best in game action will get the call. Reid and Veach have a tough decision to make.
