(Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs offense hasn’t had nearly as much firepower lately as it has in past seasons.
The Chiefs rank 10th in scoring this season and quarterback Patrick Mahomes is trending toward his fewest passing touchdowns in a season since 2019.
Some of Kansas City’s offensive issues have come at the hands – literally – of the team’s wide receivers.
The Chiefs’ 37 dropped passes rank first in the league this year and four more than the next-closest team.
Wideout Kadarius Toney has been one of the biggest culprits in this stat, as his 13.2 percent drop rate ranks third among all pass-catchers this season.
However, the Chiefs may not have to rely on him this week after he missed Thursday’s practice with a hip strain, per team reporter Matt McMullen.
Nick Bolton (sick), Cam Jones (sick), Jerick McKinnon (groin) and Kadarius Toney (hip strain) won’t practice for the Chiefs today, per Coach Reid.
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) December 21, 2023
Apart from his dropped passes, Toney also hasn’t been very effective when he has caught the ball.
He has just 27 receptions on 38 targets for 169 yards and one touchdown on the year with 11 rushes for 31 yards on the ground.
His receptions rank fourth on the team, while his receiving yards rank ninth on the team.
The Chiefs need more from their pass-catchers, but can’t seem to catch a break with players not named tight end Travis Kelce.
Rookie wideout Rashee Rice has excelled in an ever-increasing role on the team, though, and passed Toney on the depth chart weeks ago.
If Toney can’t play, Mahomes will likely continue to pepper Rice and Kelce.
This could also see an extended role for Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Justin Watson, who have flashed at times this year but have remained inconsistent contributors on offense.
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