As the looming cutdown day approaches next Tuesday, the fate of Kansas City Chiefs receiver Kadarius Toney hangs in the balance. The former first-round pick found himself lining up with the backups in Thursday night’s preseason clash against the Chicago Bears, as he fights to secure his spot on the team. In a mere 17 snaps, Toney managed to reel in two receptions out of three targets for a total of 26 yards, in addition to a 16-yard punt return.
“We went through last year with him, so we kind of know who he is,” remarked Chiefs coach Andy Reid following the 34-21 defeat to the Bears. “He is a talented kid. He’s battled to make the team and all that bit. We’ve never questioned the talent there at all, it’s just him staying healthy was the main thing.”
At present, the hierarchy of the Chiefs’ receiver corps seems fairly established. With Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Justin Watson slated as the top four, the quartet did not see any action during Thursday’s game. Skyy Moore, who dealt with an injury early in the week, only managed to see two special teams snaps; nevertheless, his position on the team looks secure. The remaining contenders are left to fight tooth and nail for the remaining roster spots.
For Toney, the 2023 season proved to be a disappointment with a string of injuries and inconsistent performances. Unfortunately, the trend continued into this year’s camp, with Toney struggling to make a lasting impression. As an attempt to tap into his versatility, the Chiefs explored the option of giving him reps in the backfield; however, Toney did not receive any handoffs in preseason action.
As the clock ticks down to cutdown day, Toney finds himself perched precariously on the roster bubble. Only time will tell whether the young receiver has done enough to secure a coveted spot on the Chiefs’ roster for the upcoming season.
