Ranking KC Chiefs biggest injury concerns heading into Super Bowl LVII

7. Kadarius Toney

Back to the depth chart at wide receiver where we’ve wanted to return for some time.

Up next is Kadarius Toney, a wide receiver who is the newest face on this list to the team but whose importance was quickly determined by fans based on the way the Chiefs emphasized him in the offense once he was acquired from the New York Giants.

Toney’s skill set is somewhere between Tyreek Hill, the former top WR traded this offseason to the Miami Dolphins for five draft picks, and Mecole Hardman, who himself is unlikely to play in the Super Bowl with a groin/pelvis injury. His deep speed has re-opened a part of the offensive game plan that had gone unutilized early in the season, before Toney was brought over at the NFL’s trade deadline—giving the Chiefs offense more wrinkles to toy with.

What has made Toney such an eye-opening asset, however, is the way he’s taken instantly to this Chiefs offense. He’s proven to be a quick study and a willing blocker. He’s much better at contested catches than anyone could have predicted, and he’s tough as nails as a physical force despite his size when trying to earn extra yards. In short, he’s hardly the one-dimensional threat he was painted as before arriving in K.C.

The downfall here is that staying healthy has proven to be a significant issue for Toney at the NFL level. On Sunday, Toney’s moves were so extreme when trying to juke an opponent that he sprained his own ankle. Now it seems the Chiefs might have to go without that dynamism when suiting up against the Eagles. Let’s hope he heals up in time to put up one more impactful performance before the offseason.