Which players will benefit most from Kadarius Toney's absence?
With the shifty wide receiver out, who will step up in his absence?
By Jacob Milham
Just hours into training camp, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney was already out with an injury. The man did not even make it to a padded practice or give fans at least a highlight in St. Joseph. Toney might be able to return for the first week of the regular season, but the fact that he is once again injured does not bode well for his reliability to this offense.
The injury concerns are real with Toney. He has two professional seasons under his belt but missed 15 games in that time frame. When he has been available and full healthy, Toney lives up to his first-round draft status. But, the best ability is availability and he missed three games for the Chiefs in a half-season.
Toney was not a dominant receiver in his first seven games, but still logged three total touchdowns despite playing less than a third of the offensive snaps. Toney made his presence felt in the Super Bowl, recording his first postseason touchdown catch and a record 65-yard punt return to help seal a Chiefs win.
There are two benefactors to Toney's training camp absence.
The Chiefs, team and fans alike, had high expectations for Toney in 2023.Tight end Travis Kelce's tone after the news says that Toney shouldn't be out for a long time, and Toney himself said he shouldn't be missing long. But, his absence will certainly affect how the Chiefs start constructing a depth chart or looking ahead to a 53-man roster.
The Chiefs should approach the remaining offseason and preseason as if Toney will not be available to start the season. This not only opens a possible roster spot but will have a ripple effect on the offense and special teams. After all, Toney exited the field after fielding punts ahead of practice. Which players benefit the most with Toney on the sideline?