Unsurprisingly, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney could be in danger of missing the cut after flopping last season.
Per Pete Sweeney of SB Nation, the Chiefs released their first unofficial depth chart on Tuesday. Toney was listed as the fifth stringer.
The #Chiefs first unofficial depth chart is now available. pic.twitter.com/tp5nkWWs7X
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 7, 2024
At the beginning of training camp, Toney — who only had 27 receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown catch in 13 games in 2023 — was taking snaps at running back to showcase his versatility. However, he missed multiple practices with an ankle injury.
According to ESPN’s Adam Teicher, he wasn’t in a helmet or pads during Wednesday’s practice, but it remains unclear if that ties to his ankle problem.
No helmet for Kadarius Toney as he heads down the hill so he's not working today. Chris Jones is not on the field as practice is about to start pic.twitter.com/XkPlICA9CI
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) August 7, 2024
“Well, listen, I mean, you want to be there every day, and so anytime you miss, especially during install days, you’re missing a load there,” head coach Andy Reid said of Toney in a recent news conference. “So, he’s got to take care of what he’s got and get himself back out there.”
Toney also faces more competition. This offseason, the Chiefs signed free-agent WR Marquise Brown (one year, $7M) and drafted Texas’ Xavier Worthy (pick No. 28).
The rookie may become one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ favorite targets. In her recent “Scoop City” newsletter, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported Worthy is quickly learning the offense and developing chemistry with the QB.
Toney likely needs a strong showing in the Chiefs’ first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. Otherwise, they could quickly move on from the former first-round pick. Spotrac estimates that cutting the 25-year-old would only incur $2.53M in dead cap.
