The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense will most likely be undermanned when they take the field for Thursday night’s season opener vs. the Detroit Lions.
At least, their offense will have a big boost, as WR Kadarius Toney will be back on the gridiron.
The former New York Giants player missed most of the training camp and the preseason with a knee injury, but HC Andy Reid recently confirmed he’s a full go for the first game.
When asked about his return, Patrick Mahomes seemed quite excited and raved about all the positive things he can bring to the table:
“The talent that he has, the competitor that he is — to be able to go out there and have that weapon would definitely be a huge positive,” Mahomes said, per ProFootballTalk. “He’s done a great job in the practices that he’s been in so far, and I’m looking forward to him continuing to step up and be even better and be more like his normal self.
Patrick Mahomes: Kadarius Toney’s return is “a huge positive.” https://t.co/XLoNDZRyxm
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 4, 2023
The Chiefs traded for Toney midway through the previous season, and while he didn’t make a huge impact right away, he played a big part when it mattered the most, including a massive touchdown catch in the Super Bowl.
He had 14 receptions for 171 yards and two scores in seven regular-season appearances, adding seven receptions for 50 yards in the playoffs.
His tenure in New York was quite disappointing, but the talent is undeniable, and he could be poised for a breakout season now, as he’s expected to be the No. 1 wideout and secondary target behind star TE Travis Kelce.
Toney will join the likes of Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore as the starters.
The Chiefs will look to be the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls since 2004.
And while they’ll face an uphill battle without star DT Chris Jones on the field, their offense could be one of the most explosive in the game again.
NEXT:
Analyst Explains Chris Jones’ Importance For Chiefs Defense
