Seattle Seahawks vs Kansas City Chiefs finished in a dramatic 9–9 draw as Jalen Milroe impressed at quarterback, while Jason Myers missed a 52-yard field goal that could have won the preseason finale.
Seahawks and Chiefs Finish Preseason With a Draw
The Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs closed out their 2026 NFL preseason campaigns with a 9–9 tie at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday night. What appeared to be a low-scoring preseason matchup turned into a tense finish when Seattle had an opportunity to steal the game in the final seconds.
Jason Myers lined up for a 52-yard field goal with time expiring, but his attempt sailed wide right. That miss preserved the tie and ensured both teams finished the preseason without a victory in the final game. The official game center lists both Seattle and Kansas City at 0–2–1 following the result.
While the final score lacked the drama of a high-scoring shootout, there were several encouraging performances, particularly from Seattle quarterback Jalen Milroe and a number of young Chiefs players fighting for roster spots.
Jalen Milroe Delivers His Best Preseason Performance
The biggest positive for Seattle was undoubtedly Jalen Milroe. With Sam Darnold and Drew Lock sitting out, Milroe played the entire game and delivered his strongest preseason performance to date.
Milroe completed 16 of 26 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown without throwing an interception. He also added 20 rushing yards on seven carries and finished with a 101.9 passer rating. His accuracy and willingness to attack downfield stood out throughout the night.
The second-year quarterback connected with Cody White for a 40-yard gain and found tight end Elijah Arroyo for a 24-yard completion. He also produced a crucial 26-yard completion to Emmanuel Henderson Jr. that moved Seattle inside the Chiefs’ five-yard line late in the game.
Milroe eventually found Nick Vannett for a four-yard touchdown in the third quarter, giving Seattle a 9–6 lead after the extra point attempt failed.
Chiefs Keep the Pressure On
Kansas City struggled to find the end zone but remained competitive throughout the contest. Rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier started and completed 22 of 34 passes for 198 yards. He did not throw a touchdown and was intercepted once, with Seattle cornerback Trevon Diggs making the key defensive play.
The Chiefs relied heavily on their kicking game. Harrison Butker converted field goals from 28, 24 and 19 yards, accounting for all nine of Kansas City’s points. His third field goal early in the fourth quarter tied the game at 9–9.
Kansas City’s offense had opportunities to take control, but Seattle’s defense repeatedly prevented touchdowns. One of the game’s most important sequences came when the Chiefs reached the Seattle four-yard line early in the fourth quarter.
Seattle Defense Produces a Crucial Goal-Line Stand
With Kansas City threatening to take the lead, Seattle’s defense delivered one of its best sequences of the night.
The Chiefs ran Brashard Smith three consecutive times from close range, but Seattle stopped him for gains of only two yards, one yard and no gain. On third down, Jalen Gaines came flying off the edge to make the tackle and force Kansas City to settle for another field goal.
That defensive stand ultimately proved important because the game remained tied at 9–9 for the rest of the night.
For Seattle, it was an encouraging example of the defensive depth competing under pressure, even with many players fighting simply to make the final roster.
Trevon Diggs Makes Immediate Impact
Another storyline to emerge from the game was Trevon Diggs’ Seahawks debut.
The veteran cornerback, who joined Seattle less than two weeks before the game, saw limited action but quickly made his presence felt. Diggs intercepted Nussmeier for Seattle’s only takeaway of the night.
The interception came from strong coverage and an underthrown pass, allowing Diggs to step in front of the receiver and secure the ball. It was a promising first appearance for a player Seattle hopes can strengthen its secondary during the regular season.
Jason Myers Misses Chance to Win It
The game’s final storyline belonged to Jason Myers, but not in the way Seattle would have wanted.
After Milroe helped move the Seahawks into position with a late completion to Emmanuel Henderson Jr., Myers was given a chance to win the game from 52 yards. Instead, his attempt missed to the right as time expired.
The missed kick meant Seattle had to settle for a 9–9 tie despite controlling much of the statistical battle. Seattle finished with 265 total yards compared with Kansas City’s 109, although the Seahawks were also penalized 12 times for 86 yards.
What the Result Means for Both Teams
For Seattle, the preseason ends without a victory, but the 9–9 draw provided some meaningful positives. Milroe’s performance was the headline, while Diggs’ interception and the defense’s goal-line stand offered further encouragement.
The Seahawks now turn their attention to the regular season, with the coaching staff facing important roster decisions after the final preseason evaluation. The game also gave several young players one final opportunity to make their case before the roster is finalized.
Kansas City also finished the preseason at 0–2–1. The Chiefs failed to score a touchdown in the game, but their young players gained valuable playing time in a competitive environment. Head coach Andy Reid emphasized the importance of those opportunities for the team’s younger players.
Ultimately, neither team walked away with a victory, but both got what preseason football is designed to provide: meaningful snaps for players competing for roles, roster evaluation and one final test before the games begin to count.
Final Score: Seattle Seahawks 9–9 Kansas City Chiefs
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Date: August 28, 2026
Competition: NFL Preseason Week 3
Match Preview
The Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs close their 2026 preseason schedules Friday night at Arrowhead Stadium, but anyone expecting a full-scale showdown between Sam Darnold and Patrick Mahomes should look elsewhere.
This Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs game is primarily about the players fighting for jobs.
Both teams enter the preseason finale at 0-2, and both coaching staffs have made clear decisions about protecting key players before the regular season. Seattle will again keep its established starters out, while second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe is expected to play the entire game. Kansas City will also be without Mahomes, giving rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier an important opportunity to start.
That creates one of the more interesting storylines of the final preseason weekend.
Milroe and Nussmeier are not simply playing for a preseason victory. They are playing extended snaps at quarterback while coaches make their final evaluations before roster cutdowns. Around them, receivers, offensive linemen, defensive backs and special-teams players will have one final opportunity to prove they belong.
The final score will matter, but the bigger story could be found in the players who are still on the field in the fourth quarter.
Seattle and Kansas City are scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. CT at Arrowhead Stadium. For both organizations, this is the final game before attention turns completely toward the 2026 regular season.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs Game Information
Game: Seattle Seahawks at Kansas City Chiefs
Date: Friday, August 28, 2026
Kickoff: 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Preseason Week: Week 3
Preseason Records: Seahawks 0-2, Chiefs 0-2
Seattle’s local broadcast will air on KING 5, while the game will air locally in Kansas City on KSHB. NFL+ will also provide streaming access for eligible viewers.
The Biggest Storyline: Jalen Milroe Gets the Entire Game
The Seahawks have already established their preseason approach.
Head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that Seattle’s starters will not play in the preseason finale, continuing the plan used throughout the exhibition schedule. More significantly, Macdonald said that Jalen Milroe is expected to play the entire game, with Drew Lock available if needed.
That gives Milroe something rare in modern preseason football: the opportunity to run an offense for potentially four full quarters.
For a young quarterback, that matters.
Milroe will have opportunities to deal with different game situations, including third-and-long, red-zone possessions, two-minute situations and potentially late-game drives with the outcome still in doubt.
A short preseason appearance can provide a handful of throws. A full game gives a quarterback the chance to demonstrate something more valuable: consistency.
Can he recover after a bad series? Can he recognize adjustments made by the defense? Can he maintain his mechanics late in the game? Can he keep the offense functioning when the players around him are changing from series to series?
Those questions make Milroe the central figure in Seattle’s preseason finale.
Macdonald’s decision also suggests that the Seahawks want as much game evaluation as possible before making their final roster decisions.
For Milroe, Friday night is a major opportunity.
Garrett Nussmeier Gets His Chance for Kansas City
The Chiefs will have a young quarterback of their own under the spotlight.
Rookie Garrett Nussmeier is set to start against Seattle, with Kansas City using the preseason finale to give him an extended opportunity. Patrick Mahomes is not expected to play, while quarterback availability behind Nussmeier could also affect how many snaps the rookie receives.
Chris Oladokun has been working through concussion protocol, meaning Nussmeier could receive a substantial workload if Kansas City needs him to carry the offense for most or all of the game.
That makes the quarterback matchup particularly compelling.
This will not be Mahomes against Seattle’s starting defense. It will instead be Milroe against Nussmeier—two young quarterbacks with opportunities to show how much they can handle.
Nussmeier’s challenge will be different from a normal regular-season start. The Chiefs are unlikely to expose their full offensive playbook, and the players around him may change frequently.
But the basic evaluation remains the same.
Protect the football. Make the correct reads. Keep the offense on schedule.
For a rookie quarterback, those fundamentals can be more important than one spectacular throw.
Seattle Seahawks: What Has Gone Wrong in the Preseason?
Seattle enters the game at 0-2 after losses to the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans.
The preseason record itself is not a major concern. Macdonald has chosen not to play most of his established starters, meaning the Seahawks have spent the exhibition schedule evaluating depth rather than preparing a full-strength team to win every game.
The more important issue has been health.
Seattle recently lost rookie safety Bud Clark to a broken right ankle, an injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for multiple months. Reserve offensive lineman Mason Richman also suffered a significant injury, while wide receiver Jake Bobo was reported to have suffered a season-ending knee injury during a joint practice.
Those injuries create immediate consequences for Seattle’s depth chart.
They also make Friday’s game more important for players who may suddenly have clearer paths toward roster spots or larger roles.
The Seahawks will also have an opportunity to evaluate cornerback Trevon Diggs, whose debut is among the storylines surrounding the preseason finale.
Chiefs Looking for a Better Finish
Kansas City is also 0-2 entering the final preseason game.
The Chiefs opened their preseason with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams before falling narrowly to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Like Seattle, Kansas City has treated the preseason primarily as an evaluation period rather than a reflection of its regular-season potential.
The bigger question is whether the Chiefs can get stronger performances from their younger players before the roster is finalized.
Nussmeier will receive much of the attention, but Kansas City’s depth along the offensive line, defensive front and skill positions will also be under scrutiny.
The Chiefs recently made a move to add offensive-line depth by acquiring Josh Ezeudu, highlighting the importance of finding reliable options behind the established starters.
That makes the trenches a major part of Friday night’s game.
Kansas City will want to see its reserve linemen protect Nussmeier and establish some consistency in the running game. On defense, the Chiefs will look for players to create pressure against Milroe and force Seattle’s young quarterback into difficult decisions.
Seahawks Injury and Availability Updates
Seattle will not play its established starters, and several injuries have further shaped the roster.
Bud Clark is out after suffering a broken ankle and is expected to miss multiple months. Mason Richman has also been placed on injured reserve, while Jake Bobo’s knee injury will keep him out for the season.
Macdonald has emphasized that not every player sitting out Friday should be viewed the same way. Some absences are health-related, while others are based on individual roster and depth considerations.
That is important when evaluating preseason lineups.
A player sitting out the final game may already have secured a roster position. Another player could be unavailable because of an injury. The Seahawks will make those decisions individually rather than following one universal rule.
For the players who do take the field, however, the opportunity is significant.
Chiefs Injury and Player Availability
Kansas City’s quarterback situation is one of the most important availability questions entering the game.
Mahomes will not play in the preseason finale, while Nussmeier is expected to start. Oladokun’s availability depends on his progress through concussion protocol, which could increase Nussmeier’s workload.
The Chiefs have also monitored several other players during the final week of preseason.
Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy returned to practice, though their availability for the preseason finale remained a decision for the coaching staff. Offensive lineman Josh Simmons has been evaluated for a back issue, while Ashton Gillotte has continued recovering from injury.
Because this is the final preseason game, Kansas City has little reason to risk important players unless the coaching staff believes they need additional game work.
That makes it more likely that young and fringe roster players will decide the game.
Key Players to Watch for Seattle
Jalen Milroe, Quarterback
Milroe is the headline player for Seattle.
A full-game assignment gives him a chance to show endurance, command and development. The Seahawks will evaluate more than his passing statistics.
His ability to manage pressure, operate the offense and avoid costly mistakes will be equally important.
If Milroe can produce a clean, efficient performance over four quarters, it would provide Seattle with valuable evidence about his progress.
Trevon Diggs, Cornerback
Diggs’ expected Seahawks debut is another major storyline.
The former Pro Bowl cornerback has dealt with injuries and difficult seasons in recent years, making his return an important moment.
Seattle will not need him to dominate the preseason finale. The more important goal will be seeing how he moves, competes and responds in live game conditions.
Seattle’s Wide Receiver Competition
With Bobo sidelined, the competition at receiver takes on additional significance.
Players such as Montorie Foster Jr., Cody White, Emmanuel Henderson and Ricky White III could be competing not only for roster spots but also for roles on special teams.
The ability to contribute in multiple phases may be the difference between making the team and being released.
The Seahawks’ Young Defensive Backs
Clark’s injury has created another opening in Seattle’s secondary.
Safeties and defensive backs further down the depth chart will have opportunities to demonstrate that they can provide reliable depth.
Communication will be particularly important against a Chiefs offense that can use motion and formation changes to create confusion.
Key Players to Watch for Kansas City
Garrett Nussmeier, Quarterback
The rookie gets the biggest opportunity of the night for Kansas City.
If he receives extended playing time, Nussmeier will have the chance to demonstrate his command of the offense and his ability to handle pressure.
The Seahawks’ young defense should give him plenty of opportunities to make difficult decisions.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Defensive End
Anudike-Uzomah has been one of the Chiefs players looking to build momentum during the preseason.
For a pass rusher competing for a larger role, the final preseason game is an opportunity to create disruption and leave the coaching staff with strong final film.
Pressure does not always produce a sack, but consistent disruption can still be valuable.
Kansas City’s Offensive Line Depth
The Chiefs have faced questions about offensive-line depth, making the performance of their younger linemen particularly important.
The addition of Ezeudu gives Kansas City another option, but the preseason finale will help determine which players the team trusts heading into the regular season.
The unit’s ability to protect Nussmeier will be one of the most important factors in the game.
Brashard Smith and the Special Teams Competition
Kansas City’s final roster decisions could also come down to special-teams value.
Players who can return kicks, cover punts or contribute across multiple units have an advantage during the final roster evaluation.
Smith is among the younger players who could benefit from another productive preseason performance.
The Strategic Matchup: Quarterback Development vs. Defensive Pressure
The most interesting football battle will come when Milroe and Nussmeier face opposing defenses.
Seattle’s offense will give Milroe an extended opportunity, which means Kansas City can test him with different pressure looks as the game develops.
The Chiefs will want to see whether their reserve defenders can win individual matchups and create confusion without relying on their established starters.
Milroe’s athleticism can create opportunities outside the structure of the offense, but the Seahawks will also want to see consistent execution from the pocket.
For Kansas City, the challenge will be similar.
Nussmeier will need to work behind an offensive line still being evaluated. Seattle’s young pass rushers will have an opportunity to create pressure and test his ability to process the defense quickly.
Neither team is likely to reveal an aggressive regular-season game plan.
Instead, expect the coaches to emphasize fundamentals, situational football and individual execution.
The Trench Battle Could Decide the Game
Preseason finales are often decided by offensive and defensive linemen.
Star quarterbacks can compensate for a struggling protection unit. Reserve quarterbacks generally have fewer opportunities to do that.
Seattle’s offensive line will need to protect Milroe for four quarters, making depth and conditioning critical. Kansas City’s defensive front will attempt to generate pressure without giving Milroe easy running lanes.
On the other side, the Chiefs need to protect Nussmeier and avoid the negative plays that can quickly derail a young quarterback’s rhythm.
Watch for three things:
- Which offensive line handles third-down pressure better
- Whether either defense can consistently create tackles for loss
- How both teams perform in short-yardage situations
The team that wins more of those situations should control the game.
Special Teams Could Be More Important Than Usual
The final preseason game can turn special teams into a major factor.
For many players, their offensive or defensive role may not be enough to secure a roster spot. A player who can cover kicks, make tackles and contribute as a returner provides additional value.
Seattle’s receiver and defensive-back competitions could be influenced by special-teams performance. Kansas City has similar decisions to make across its depth chart.
One missed tackle or muffed return could change the game.
One excellent special-teams performance could change a player’s career trajectory.
That is part of what makes the preseason finale different from a typical NFL game.
Five Things to Watch in Seahawks vs. Chiefs
1. Can Jalen Milroe Handle Four Quarters?
This is the biggest storyline.
Milroe is expected to play the entire game, giving the Seahawks a complete picture of his development in a live environment.
2. How Does Garrett Nussmeier Respond as a Starter?
Kansas City is giving its rookie a major opportunity.
His decision-making and command of the offense will matter more than simply producing a large passing total.
3. Trevon Diggs’ Seahawks Debut
Seattle will get an opportunity to see Diggs in live action.
His movement and ability to compete could be more important than the box score.
4. Which Young Players Win the Roster Battles?
Both teams still have difficult decisions ahead.
Friday’s game could help separate players competing for the final roster spots.
5. Who Has the Better Fourth-Quarter Depth?
Because Seattle expects Milroe to remain in the game and Kansas City could give Nussmeier an extended workload, the fourth quarter may be unusually meaningful.
The team with the more consistent depth could finish the preseason with its first victory.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs Prediction
Preseason games are difficult to predict because playing time matters more than team reputation.
Seattle will not use its established starters, but Milroe’s expected full-game workload gives the Seahawks continuity at quarterback. Kansas City will counter with Nussmeier, who has an opportunity to start and potentially play an extended role.
That creates a close matchup between two young quarterbacks with plenty to prove.
Seattle’s continuity at quarterback gives the Seahawks a slight edge. If Milroe can protect the football and use his athleticism effectively, Seattle should have a chance to control the game.
Prediction: Seahawks 23, Chiefs 20
Expect a competitive preseason finale decided by depth players, quarterback execution and special teams.
Final Thoughts
The Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs preseason finale will not be remembered for Mahomes or Seattle’s established starters.
Instead, the game belongs to the players whose NFL futures are still being decided.
Milroe has an opportunity to lead Seattle’s offense for an entire game. Nussmeier gets a chance to start for Kansas City. Diggs could make his Seahawks debut. Dozens of other players will enter Arrowhead Stadium knowing that their performance could influence whether they are on a 53-man roster, a practice squad or searching for their next opportunity.
That gives this game real stakes, even without the biggest stars.
Once the final whistle blows, this article can be updated on the same URL into a complete postgame report. The opening can be rewritten with the final score, followed by sections covering the scoring summary, key moments, top performers, team statistics and tactical analysis.
The preseason preview sets the stage.
Friday night’s result will complete the story.
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