In the past couple of seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ offense didn’t quite look like its old self. That’s partially due to a lack of consistent wide receiver talent â or perhaps the availability of such talent â in 2023 and 2024.
To start this season, it was more of the same. Rashee Rice spent Weeks 1-6 suspended, and second-year man Xavier Worthy missed some time due to injury. Fortunately for the reigning AFC champs, others stepped up in relief and the full arsenal of weapons should be ready for Week 7.
Rice’s season debut means fewer snaps to go around, though. Early-season hero Tyquan Thornton could feel that as much as anyone. Is it a cause for concern?
Dave Toub Could Find New Role for Tyquan Thornton With Rashee Rice Back
Not exactly. The Chiefs’ coaching staff believes Thornton will continue to factor into the game plan, and there may even be a new role for him to get some exposure at as the year rolls on.
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub wants to use him more in the third area of the game. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Toub said Thornton being knocked down a peg on the wide receiver depth chart might spell more special teams snaps.
“Yeah, I can use him a little bit more now, which would be great,” Toub said. “He’s a threat as a kick returner and punt returner, and also kickoff coverage. He’s got a lot of speed. There’s a chance we could have seven wide receivers up. Six [and] seven or five, six and seven have got to help you somewhere on special teams, otherwise you’re just wasting spots. That puts Thornton back into that spot, as you guys understand.”
This would certainly be something new for the former second-round pick. Despite being advertised this summer as a potential special-teamer, Thornton has just four such snaps â all coming in Weeks 1 and 2. In years 1-3 with the New England Patriots, he never set foot on the field for field goal, kickoff or punt duties.
Thornton’s collegiate career showcased a tad bit of special teams versatility. In four years at Baylor, he brought back 7 kickoffs for 111 yards. That’s a far cry from being a bona fide ace at the NFL level, but Toub has raved before about his frame and speed making him a potential option.
Thornton does have one 28-yard kickoff return this year, so there’s technically proof of concept. With more proven players like wideout Nikko Remigio and halfback Brashard Smith getting volume, though, Toub will have to prove his intent before many believe it.
‘Selfless’ Chiefs WR Room Will Respond to Rice’s Return Positively
Through six weeks, Thornton ranks fourth on the Chiefs in receptions with 13. His 272 yards are third on the roster, and his 20.9 yard-per-catch average leads the league. Thornton’s chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes manifested itself by way of big plays, and he has 3 touchdowns on the year. He trails Marquise “Hollywood” Brown (255) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (280) in snaps played.
Kansas City has already started dialing Thornton’s workload back. After he peaked with 55 snaps played in Week 3, he dropped to 25 the following week. A slight increase to 29 ensued, only for that total to wind up being 17 in Week 6’s triumph over the Detroit Lions.
Rice, the projected top receiver in the room coming into the year, will make everyone else’s volume see an impact. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy believes his players understand that, and Thornton is a prime example.
“There’s only one football,” Nagy said. “Statistically, these guys are going to have a certain amount of plays or catches, for example, or touchdowns. You look at a guy like Thornton last week, he didn’t have a catch. So, so important to this offense and what he’s done. He’s a team player, great kid. And the guys are just embracing that, and we’re having fun. It’s selfless football. It’s every day, and it’s not just pick-and-choose. I think that’s just a credit to those players for embracing that [and] understanding it. Then when you win, it certainly makes it a ton of fun.”
The next handful of weeks will determine whether an unsung hero will remain involved as the Chiefs look to gain ground in the playoff race.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Chiefs Fan Favorite May Get New Role With Rashee Rice’s Return appeared first on Heavy Sports.