On Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs returned to practice. After concluding their bye week, the team is getting ready for the Philadelphia Eagles in prime time. One player who might get more reps is wide receiver, Kadarius Toney. Head Coach, Andy Reid had some interesting comments to make about his wide receiver.
In the team’s last game, a 21-14 win over the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver, Kadarius Toney was held to less than ten snaps. Many wondered why he wasn’t more involved in the offense. On Monday, Head Coach, Andy Reid explained the lack of plays for his wide receiver was intentional.
“We’ll just keep coming with him. I just want to remind everybody that he did have the knee surgery (during training camp), we’re taking it easy with him up to this point just making sure he can make it through the year in good health,” Reid told pool reporters on Monday.
In coach speak language, this means Toney has been on a pitch count to this point in the season. With the Bye week behind the Chiefs, the young receiver should be fully rested and ready for an increased role in the offense.
Reid understands the value of getting Toney more reps. Though they once viewed him as a number-one receiver, he has yet to play that way. However, that perception appears to be altered now that Reid has stated publicly, that they want to keep him fresh for the second half of the season.
Toney had his meniscus surgically repaired back in August, and though the surgery itself is rather simple, and the rehab process is not difficult, it was still knee surgery. For those who have watched Toney in the open field, he has some Elvis Presley in him changing directions with his legs and hips. It’s hard to make those moves with a sore knee.
The Chiefs need their young receivers to take a larger role in the offense. With Rashee Rice, Skyy Moore, and Toney, they represent the future. In the now, that trio with Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman, and MVS, should all be better in the second half of the season.
yet, it’ll be up to Reid to find more reps for Toney. Though he has struggled at times, it’s clear he hasn’t been 100% and that’s caused enough hesitation in the number of snaps he’s been getting the last couple of games.
Next Monday, we might just find out if Reid plans on removing those restrictions and letting Toney play a larger role in the offense.
