Chiefs ST coordinator Dave Toub outlines expectations for Brashard Smith after critical misstep during preseason Week 1 vs. Cardinals
The rookie is still learning.
Special teams performance is usually critical for rookies trying to make an NFL 53-man roster.
That is the case for 2025 seventh-round pick Brashard Smith, who is attempting to make the cut at running back for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Smith has flashed his 4.3 40-yard dash speed and receiving skills throughout training camp. He has even seen action with the first-team offense at times, particularly during redzone work. The Chiefs are also giving him a look at kickoff and punt returner.
Wide receiver Nikko Remigio is the team’s top kick return specialist, but Smith could be the No. 2 guy. Smith is also in the mix returning punts. During K.C.’s Week 1 preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals last week, Smith called a fair catch on a punt near the Chiefs’ 5-yard line. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub told reporters after practice on Tuesday that Smith made a mistake in doing that.
“I had him back there a bunch, but he had the fair catch that he probably should have returned,” Toub said. “He should have returned it, he was blocked up. But, you got to keep throwing him in there until he gets some more reps. Tyquan (Thornton), he got one. There’s only so many reps to go around. You got to try to get as many guys in as you can, and hopefully we’ll get Brashard some more this week. We’ll see if he can be a dynamic guy like we think he can.”
Smith probably should have either let the ball bounce, and it would have likely gone into the endzone for a touchback, or, as Toub preferred, returned the ball. With it being Smith’s first taste of NFL action, he gets a little grace for the error. However, he’s only going to get so many more chances throughout the two remaining preseason games to make an impression. Toub is certainly continuing to coach him up, and Smith has plenty of talent to work with.
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