The Kansas City Chiefs may not have a game-breaking No. 1 wide receiver like Tyreek Hill, but few would argue they have arguably the best depth at the position that they’ve had in quite some time.
Kansas City returns a stable of solid pass-catchers including Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, Juju Smith-Schuster, and Skyy Moore plus tight end Travis Kelce, and the team added ever more reinforcements this offseason with fourth-round rookie WR Jalen Royals and veteran tight end Robert Tonyan.
On paper, this may be the most complete group of pass-catchers that quarterback Patrick Mahomes has ever had, but the problem is the Chiefs will likely be without the top receiver of that group for a significant part of the regular season with Rice’s impending suspension for his part in a 2024 hit-and-run accident.
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CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones recently reported that Rice could miss as many as seven games once the NFL officially suspends the SMU alum, and as Bleacher Report’s Damian Parson points out, his hold on the Chiefs’ No. 1 wide receiver spot could be in jeopardy because of it thanks to Royals’ standout play in training camp.
“Royals is suited to step into Rice’s role in the Chiefs offense as the power slot,” Parson wrote. “He possesses a similar build and frame. … Ever since Royals arrived at rookie minicamp, he has been impressive.
“So far, he has moved up the depth chart and is running with the first team. Reports have been positive because of his growing connection and timing with Patrick Mahomes.”
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While Brown is expected to be fully recovered from the shoulder joint separation that caused him to miss 15 games last year, he was carted off the field with an ankle injury on Tuesday, and his durability could be cause for concern given he’s missed 27 games over the course of his six-year NFL career.
One of the more productive receivers in college the last two seasons, totaling 126 catches, 1,914 yards, and 21 touchdowns at Utah State, Royals could step in as an immediate contributor if Rice is out for one-third of the regular season and Brown is less than 100%.
Royals’ 15.2 yards per reception make him an excellent option to emerge as the Chiefs’ go-to big-play threat. Even when Rice does come back, there’s no guarantee he will step back into his old role if Royals and Mahomes continue to further strengthen their rapport.
“All signs point to the Royals having a consistently strong role with the Chiefs’ offense in the regular season,” Parson added. “He must hold firm and keep his play above board.”