Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton’s 2025 preseason performance confirms suspicion that we’ve had all summer long about him
Thornton has made K.C.’s 53-man roster.
The Chiefs quietly added wide receiver Tyquan Thornton to their practice squad late last season. Fast forward to August 26, 2025, and Thornton has officially made Kansas City’s 53-man roster.
A 2022 second-round draft selection by the Patriots, Thornton was hindered by injuries and being in a poor offensive system during his time in New England. It’s easy to see why the Chiefs took a flyer on him, as Thornton has an excellent combination of height (standing 6-foot-2) and blazing 4.2 40-yard dash speed.
Thornton consistently ran with the first-team offense throughout training camp and preseason. He recorded three receptions for 87 yards in K.C.’s three preseason matchups, and a pass interference penalty prevented him from catching a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. In that same game, an overthrown ball by quarterback Bailey Zappe cost Thornton what would have been a deep TD catch (H/T Price Carter).
Thornton has also proved to have special teams value, returning two punts during the preseason and several throughout training camp. ST Coordinator Dave Toub recently stated that he has also been utilizing Thornton at gunner. With that type of big-play ability and versatility, Thornton was a shoo-in to make the roster.
All NFL teams must trim their rosters down from 90 to 53 players by Tuesday, August 26 at 3 p.m. CT. Not only should you expect Thornton to survive cuts, but he should factor into the Chiefs’ offensive game plan each week throughout the season. In addition to being a deep threat, his speed will also be dangerous on plays such as WR screens, crossing routes, and end-arounds.
Thornton will join a suddenly deep WR corpse for K.C., featuring the likes of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu-Smith Schuster, and Jalen Royals. With Rice facing a looming suspension at some point this season, Thornton could see an increased role while he is out.
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