Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen was the team’s leading receiver in the Week 7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. That isn’t saying much, considering he caught a single pass on two targets for 18 yards. It mostly speaks to the dire situation in the wide receiver room.

Allen is doing things the right way in his first NFL season, and it could lead to more opportunity as early as Week 8’s game against the Denver Broncos. Through six appearances, Allen has been targeted just six times, catching three passes for 45 yards. Those numbers won’t jump off the page. Still, the Chiefs’ receiver situation could change his outlook quickly.

Chiefs need help at wide receiver with Tyquan Thornton out

Kansas City has a big need at wide receiver right now. Tyquan Thornton is on injured reserve, and Rashee Rice has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury. That combination has thinned out a position group the offense relies on to create big plays. The Chiefs are reportedly calling around about potential trades at the position. However, others in the room will need to step up regardless.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Chiefs HC Andy Reid said the team is bringing Allen along slowly while giving him more opportunities each week. That approach culminated in Allen playing 16 of a possible 53 offensive snaps against Seattle. It was the highest percentage of snaps he’s played in a single game during his rookie season. His role has steadily increased over the last three weeks.

“We’re growing (WR Cyrus Allen) him as we go, talented,” Reid said. “He got a little bit more last week. He’ll get a little bit more this coming week.”

The rookie hasn’t had the type of impact some expected after the hype he generated during training camp and the preseason. Even so, he’s clearly getting attention from his coaches and teammates. He’s making incremental strides, and his increased role in Week 7 reflects that progress.

For a coaching staff that prefers to ease young receivers into the offense, a steady climb in snaps tells you more than a box score does. Reid doesn’t hand out playing time without a reason, especially to rookies.

Eric Bieniemy points to the details of Cyrus Allen’s growth

Allen still has work to do, and he’ll need to keep making improvements. Even so, Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy has recognized the strides Allen has made as a run blocker and in his weekly preparation. He also pointed to areas of the rookie’s game that still need improvement.

“First of all, I thought Cyrus (Allen) played a good game,” Bieniemy said. “I mean, obviously he could have been better in a number of ways, but overall he played good. Because he went out there, he played with great confidence, (and) he plays fast. He did a heck of a job in the run game. Now, when it’s all said and done, I do this each and every week, every receiver can clean up all the route details. You know, I think there’s a lesson to be learned with that. But overall, I think Cyrus is taking the necessary steps to help himself moving forward.”

According to Bieniemy, Allen has positioned himself to get more opportunities in the passing game and be on the field more often. It’s a good sign when a coordinator highlights the less glamorous parts of a young receiver’s game. Earning trust as a blocker is one of the quickest ways for a rookie to stay on the field in Kansas City, regardless of how many targets come his way.

Preparation matters for the same reason. A receiver who knows his assignments and plays fast without hesitation gives the quarterback and the coaching staff confidence to call his number when it counts.

What a breakout could mean for Kansas City against the Broncos

In the NFL, one big week is all it takes for a player to make his break. If Allen keeps preparing the way Reid and Bieniemy have described, it’s only a matter of time before he has that breakout performance. Allen can become the young, trusted wide receiver who helps this offense elevate its game.

The Chiefs could use that boost sooner rather than later. Kansas City needs someone to step up and give the passing game another reliable option. Week 8’s timing only raises the stakes. The AFC West race between the Chiefs and Broncos is tight, and Sunday’s matchup can make a big difference. A breakout from Allen against Denver would be a welcome sight for an offense that is still searching for answers at receiver.