Over the weekend the Kansas City Chiefs activated Wide Receiver Richie James. Though it’s not a lock he’s active for tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, it’s certainly an interesting development.
In the offseason, one of the under-the-radar moves Kansas City Chiefs General Manager, Brett Veach made was the signing of former New York Giants Wide Receiver, Richie James. He had a career year in 2022 with Daniel Jones as his quarterback.
James showed flashes in the preseason that he could be the slot receiver the Chiefs hoped he would be when they signed him. He initially made the roster but a knee injury derailed his season. Prior to his injury, he was playing exclusively on special teams.
During the Bye Week, both Head Coach Andy Reid and Quarterback Patrick Mahomes discussed the state of the offense and quite likely some of the personnel grouping at the wide receiver position. With this elevation to the 53-man roster, that tells me both feel he can make a contribution to the offense.
Still, you have to wonder if he’ll be active tonight, and if that is the case, which receiver gets less playing time?
My top candidate would be Marquez Valdes-Scantlin. Though Richie is more of a slot receiver, MVS might be the weakest link in the receiver room. Richie has good speed and the skills to add an element to the offense that could provide some downfield opportunities for Mahomes.
One thing we know is he won’t be taking the return duties away from Mecole Hardman, Special Teams Coach, Dave Taub made that perfectly clear on Friday when he spoke to reporters.
For now, Richie gives the Chiefs an experienced veteran wide receiver, who knows the offense. If there’s an injury or another receiver continues to struggle, Reid has another option he can implement into the offense.
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