The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off the preseason with a victory on Saturday night as quarterback Shane Buechele led a go-ahead, touchdown-scoring drive in the final minutes of regulation to defeat the San Francisco 49ers, 19-16, at Levi's Stadium.
Trailing by three points with two minutes and 37 seconds remaining in the game, Buechele – who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent this offseason – led Kansas City on a nine-play, 68-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown scramble by the former SMU star quarterback to put Kansas City on top.
"We do those kinds of things in practice – the two-minute situations," Buechele said after the game. "I felt prepared, I was ready, and my teammates did a great job of helping me drive down the field and get a touchdown."
Chiefs' defensive end Tim Ward then sacked 49ers' quarterback Josh Rosen on San Francisco's ensuing drive, thwarting any chance of a last-second comeback and preserving Kansas City's victory.
"There are plenty of things that we're going to have a chance to work on," said Head Coach Andy Reid following the game. "I thought the defense did some good things, the offensive got a touchdown early, and the way that we finished was good all around."
Buechele completed 8-of-11 passes for 76 yards on the night after coming in after fellow signal callers Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne and Anthony Gordon. Mahomes – who led the Chiefs' first drive – completed one pass for four yards in his lone series of work. Henne, meanwhile, was responsible for Kansas City's first score when he found wide receiver Byron Pringle for a 5-yard touchdown late in the first quarter.
Pringle finished the game with two receptions for 10 yards and a touchdown. Wide receiver Daurice Fountain led all pass-catchers with four receptions for 38 yards while tight end Jody Fortson checked in just behind him with three grabs for 32 yards.
"I just went into the game today knowing that I had to take advantage of my reps," Fountain said. "[The coaching staff] has done a really good job of helping me prepare for these preseason games to showcase my skills."
Game photos of the Kansas City Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Gehrig Dieter (12) runs onto the field before the start of preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Michael Danna (51) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (02) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) runs the ball during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend (5) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Juan Thornhill (22) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs safety L'Jarius Sneed (38) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ben Niemann (56) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Ben Niemann (56) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) celebrates during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mike Hughes (21) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chad Henne (4) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Joe Thuney (62) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle (13) and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) celebrate after a touchdown during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jody Fortson (88) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Daniel Sorensen (49) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs safety L'Jarius Sneed (38) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mike Hughes (21) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chad Henne (4) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Omari Cobb (48) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chris Lammons (26) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Emmanuel Smith (43) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Emmanuel Smith (43) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend (5) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Juan Thornhill (22) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Michael Danna (51) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Daurice Fountain (82) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on the sideline during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Devon Key (24) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) on the sideline during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Anthony Gordon (8) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Anthony Gordon (8) hands off the ball to running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) runs the ball during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Anthony Gordon (8) throws the ball during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Riley Cole (46) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester (41) snaps the ball during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Emmanuel Smith (43) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Deandre Baker (30) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Demone Harris (96) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Darrius Shepherd (9) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Riley Cole (46) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs on the sidelines during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Rashad Fenton (27) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tim Ward (92) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs fullback Michael Burton (45) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Yasir Durant (79) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darwin Thompson (34) runs the ball during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Anthony Gordon (8) throws the ball during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Chad Williams (84) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Anthony Gordon (8) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darwin Thompson (34) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Daurice Fountain (82) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Devon Key (24) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Marlon Character (39) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dalton Schoen (2) and running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Daurice Fountain (82) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Daurice Fountain (82) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs assistant equipment manager Chris Shropshire during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (59) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Deandre Baker (30) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Elijah McGuire (24) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Austin Edwards (60) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Riley Cole (46) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tim Ward (92) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (59) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Armani Watts (23) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Armani Watts (23) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Omari Cobb (48) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chris Lammons (26) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Elijah McGuire (24) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Will Parks (20) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tim Ward (92) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Lucas Niang (67) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive guard Austin Blythe (66) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs Guard Trey Smith (65) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs center Darryl Williams (64) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chris Lammons (26) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tyler Clark (93) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (02) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Will Parks (20) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Riley Cole (46) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Austin Edwards (60) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (02) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Gehrig Dieter (12) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore (40) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore (40) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dalton Schoen (2) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cornell Powell (14) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Daniel Sorensen (49) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Maurice Ffrench (89) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Maurice Ffrench (89) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray (83) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marcus Kemp (85) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Elijah McGuire (24) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown (57) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Elijah McGuire (24) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs safety L'Jarius Sneed (38) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jody Fortson (88) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) huddles the offense during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Derrick Gore (40) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) runs the ball in for a touchdown during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dalton Schoen (2) celebrates the touchdown with quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Shane Buechele (6) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chris Lammons (26) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (02) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Rodney Clemons (40) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Austin Edwards (60) during preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Rodney Clemons (40) walks off the field after preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) walks off the field after preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Darius Harris (47) after preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) walks off the field after preseason game one against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Aug. 14th, 2021.
Defensively, Ward was one of the stars of the evening with five tackles and two sacks. The second-year edge rusher was responsible for two of the Chiefs' five sacks on the night, as defensive lineman Chris Jones (1.0), defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (1.0) and linebacker Omari Cobb (1.0) also managed to bring down the opposing quarterback.
Additionally, safety Armani Watts tallied an interception late in the third quarter when he picked off Rosen over the middle to prevent what appeared to be a potential scoring opportunity inside the Chiefs' 20-yard line. It was one of two takeaways for the defense, as linebacker Dorian O'Daniel also forced a fumble midway through the fourth quarter that was recovered by cornerback Dicaprio Bootle.
In terms of injuries, linebacker Darius Harris (finger), linebacker Riley Cole (ankle) and tailback Elijah McGuire (ankle) each left Saturday's game early and did not return. Wide receiver Marcus Kemp also exited with a shoulder injury, but Reid mentioned that he didn't think that the injury was significant following the game.
The Chiefs return to action on Friday night as they travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals.
