The Kansas City Chiefs will open the 2025 regular season in four days, as they will play their AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
This is a huge game for the Chiefs, who are looking to show that they’re still the class of the AFC and AFC West. Kansas City won’t have third-year wide receiver Rashee Rice for this game as he’s serving a six-game suspension.
However, the Chiefs are still very talented on offense, defense, and special teams. Kansas City understands that if it wins all three phases of the game, it has a good shot to win Friday night.
Special teams will be something to watch out for as the Chargers have a dynamic returner in wide receiver Derius Davis. But the Chiefs’ return specialists are nothing to sleep on, as Nikko Remigio can change field position in the blink of an eye.
That said, Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has his eye on this rookie who could handle return duties.
Chiefs STC Dave Toub on other guys who could play return specialist: "You could see Tyquan, you could see Brashard."
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) September 1, 2025
Rookie RB Brashard Smith Could Get Return Duty Opportunities
According to Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports, Toub told reporters on Monday that we could see rookie running back Brashard Smith and veteran wide receiver Tyquan Thornton, who could play as a return specialist.
This is an interesting development as Toub wasn't pleased with the rookie running back after the preseason opener, who didn't take out a return.
At the same time, Toub made sure to shower praise on Remigio and what he brings to the table as a player and leader.
"You think about Nikko, he's been our starter for the last eight games that we've played. He's been our guy. . . He's become a leader for us as far as his work ethic and everything he's about. He's a great teammate and a good guy. I'm happy he's on the team, Toub explained (h/t Charles Goldman).
Last year during the regular season, Remigio averaged 26.8 yards per kick return and 9.5 yards per punt return. Then, in the postseason, the 5-foot-9 wide receiver averaged 30.1 yards per kick return, which included an electrifying return to open the AFC Divisional Round against the Houston Texans.
That said, if you’re the Chiefs, there’s nothing wrong with having multiple roles. Looking at the Chiefs’ offense, Smith and Thornton won’t see a ton of snaps early. However, you want to find ways to use their speed, specifically in open space.
Smith ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at this year’s scouting combine, and you don’t want to leave that sitting on the bench.
The rookie running back has experience handling kick return duties at the University of Miami and SMU. He averaged 24.4 yards per return over his four-year collegiate career. He also averaged 26.7 yards per kick return in the preseason and got a couple of punt return chances.
Therefore, we will see if the rookie gets a chance to return a kick in the regular season opener later this week.