KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When extensive receiver Kadarius Toney was benched for the ultimate three regular-season video games and 4 extra within the postseason after his errors crushed his group, it was simple to imagine his time with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs had come to an finish.
However not solely is Toney nonetheless with the Chiefs as they’ve began their offseason program, he’s taking part in throwing classes with Patrick Mahomes in Texas, and each basic supervisor Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid sound as if Toney is solidly of their plans.
“He’s most likely our most proficient wideout now,” Veach stated. “It would not do anybody any good until you keep wholesome. However the child has all the time labored onerous right here for us and I do know he is been down there with Pat and I feel it is a matter of him staying wholesome and I feel if he can try this, he can actually do loads of nice issues on this offense.
“Individuals across the constructing like him and it is the damage bug and hopefully he will get some luck on his aspect and he can keep wholesome and be the participant that he was in Florida and the participant that we have seen in spurts right here.”
Toney’s disappointing 2023 season was a shock to the Chiefs, who received him in a commerce with the New York Giants at midseason the 12 months earlier than. He gave them some huge performs in 2022, together with a 65-yard, fourth-quarter punt return to arrange a landing of their Tremendous Bowl LVII win over the Philadelphia Eagles.
His 2023 season was disrupted earlier than it even began when he tore his meniscus whereas catching punts earlier than the primary apply at coaching camp. He was listed on the weekly damage report with varied illnesses for 19 of the Chiefs’ 21 video games, postseason included.
He was again by the primary sport of the season however by no means regarded just like the participant who led the Chiefs to ship third- and sixth-round draft picks to the New York Giants. He deflected a catchable cross to a defender for an interception on two completely different performs. One was returned for a landing in a one-point loss to the Detroit Lions.
He additionally lined up offside to wipe out the go-ahead landing late within the fourth quarter of a loss to the Buffalo Payments.
The Chiefs are staying affected person with Toney, 25, a first-round draft decide by the Giants in 2021. Regardless of his expensive errors final season, the Chiefs can afford to do it. They don’t seem to be deep at extensive receiver, with solely Toney, Marquise Brown, Justin Watson and probably Rashee Rice — relying on his authorized standing after his involvement in a six-car crash in Texas final month — assured of a roster spot for subsequent season.
“Kadarius is arguably some of the proficient guys we’ve got on the group,” Reid stated. “It is only a matter of staying wholesome and with the ability to keep on the sphere.
“I am anticipating him to return again ripping and able to go. It is nice that he is down there working with Pat and placing the work in in order that’s a constructive. We like Kadarius. It is only a matter of getting him on the sphere.”
