Chiefs HC Andy Reid emphasizing special teams in wide receiver battle
The Kansas City Chiefs have quite the battle on their hands at the wide receiver position. While several spots are already decided, Chiefs HC Andy Reid confirmed to reporters that the sixth and possibly seventh wide receiver spot has not yet been decided. That's a big departure from prior roster tendencies, but with Kadarius Toney still […]
The Kansas City Chiefs have quite the battle on their hands at the wide receiver position.
While several spots are already decided, Chiefs HC Andy Reid confirmed to reporters that the sixth and possibly seventh wide receiver spot has not yet been decided. That's a big departure from prior roster tendencies, but with Kadarius Toney still injured, it makes sense to keep as many as seven receivers.
Preseason Week 3 will provide players with a final opportunity to impress upon the coaching staff that they belong. However, for this particular position group, it might come down to what they accomplish on the offensive side of the ball. Dave Toub might hold the key to the decision according to Andy Reid.
“Yeah, it’ll be a tough decision at that spot, the guys are playing well," Reid told reporters on Wednesday. "We just have to see – we talked to them about special teams, it ends up being a big part of it. You might be a good receiver but if you can’t help out on special teams you got a problem there, so that ends up being a part of the thing (the decision).”
So what do the special teams snaps from preseason Week 1 and preseason Week 2 look like in the wide receiver room this preseason? Check it out:
- Justin Watson – 9
- Richie James – 8
- Rashee Rice – 6
- Justyn Ross – 12
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette – 12
- Cornell Powell – 13
- Nikko Remigio – 7 (DNP Week 2)
- Ty Fryfogle – 4
- Ty Scott – 3
Richie James took over as the team's starting punt returner and kick returner in preseason Week 2. Right now, he seems to have a leg up on the competition for that sixth spot.
Justyn Ross, Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Cornell Powell — who realistically are in contention for that final spot if the team keeps seven receivers — all have about equal work on special teams through two weeks. A continued level of consistency on offense, combined with how they perform on special teams with their opportunities in preseason Week 3 could prove to be the difference.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has perfect response to Chris Jones holdout questions
Pure class from Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
