How will key injured players return for the Kansas City Chiefs?

Chris Conley

Another key contributor to the Chiefs offense, Chris Conley will also be returning from a season-ending injury. Conley’s injury came in the Chiefs’ week 5 win against the Texans, in which he ruptured his achilles. While he may not have been a pivotal player in the offense (11 catches for 175 yards in 5 games), he was still a solid depth option for Alex Smith in the passing game.

Chris Conley has been a solid number 3 receiver for the better part of 3 seasons for Kansas City. He will not give you the gaudy numbers, nor will he be the go to guy. However, Conley has proved to be a reliable receiver with good hands and solid route-running. Mahomes needs a guy like Conley who, when he makes a difficult throw, can make the catch in a crucial situation.

The same question can be asked about Conley. Will he be able to return to form? If he can return to the way he was, Conley is the 3rd best receiver on the team behind Sammy Watkins and Tyreek Hill.

However, with the emergence of Demarcus Robinson (57 yards and a TD in Wildcard loss to Titans), it might be time to cut ties with Conley. Going into his contract year with the Chiefs, Conley will need to show a significant bounceback from injury. There is plenty of young talent at the wide receiver position that the Chiefs could turn to in Conley’s stead.

Providing the Chiefs with another option for Mahomes’ pick of the litter will be Conley’s role in 2018, and he will be a big contributor. Look for Conley to prove that he belongs with the Chiefs and make an excellent comeback from his achilles injury.