Chris Conley injury update: Chiefs wide receiver “way ahead” of expectations

Chris Conley is surprising his coaches with the Kansas City Chiefs as the wide receiver is reportedly “way ahead” of expectations on his return from injury.

When Chris Conley went down, it didn’t make sense at first. A non-contact play in the fourth quarter of a victory over the Houston Texans cost the Chiefs the services of their young talented wide receiver to a torn Achilles, the same injury that has plagued linebacker Derrick Johnson in years past.

Since that moment eight months ago, Conley has been hard at work to rehabilitate and recover and his hard work is paying off. The Georgia product has impressed head coach Andy Reid by being “way ahead” of schedule, or at least ahead of Reid’s own expectations for when Conley might be back.

When asked about Conley’s status on Thursday, Reid told reporters the following:

"“He’s been phenomenal. He’s way ahead of where we expected him. We actually backed him down, he was doing so much and we want to get him through this whole thing healthy. He has actually had a very good camp.”"

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That’s a great sign for the Chiefs considering that they are looking for potential help beyond Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins at wideout. Conley was largely considered a breakout candidate for the Chiefs last season due to his first two years on the team’s offense. His Combine numbers and overall intelligence and athleticism project well on the field, and this final year under contract could be a good time for him to show off what he can do best.

Watkins has already stated publicly that he’s not just going to be relegated to one side or even just the outside with the Chiefs. Rather, he will be deployed in ways that create mismatches all over the field, which will give Conley reps on the outside or other places as well. The offense should open up as Patrick Mahomes gains experience and confidence as quarterback, so Conley will have a chance to show his skills once again, even with some new offseason additions.

Conley had 11 catches for 175 receiving yards last year at the time of his injury.