The Kansas City Chiefs' 53-man roster is set, and the playbooks are distributed. But in the NFL, the lineup card is never truly permanent. For one veteran Chief, making the team was just the first hurdle.
The real challenge is staying on it when the league-wide chess match truly begins.
That veteran is wide receiver Tyquan Thornton. The Chiefs surprised many by keeping a staggering eight receivers, including Thornton. It was the need of the hour amid the Rashee Rice uncertainty; however, this security might be more illusion than reality.
Tyquan Thornton's Chiefs Future is Uncertain
Roster math is a brutal game, and Thornton finds himself squarely in its crosshairs. His primary value lies in his blistering 4.28-second 40-yard dash time, a deep threat asset for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
“He showed up there, Pat has a lot of confidence in him, and all the offensive coaches have confidence in him,” Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub noted last week. But confidence alone doesn’t secure a jersey on game day.
The Chiefs' receiving room is incredibly crowded, even after Rice's suspension. Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Royals, and Nikko Remigio will all be vying for Mahomes' attention, as will tight end Travis Kelce. Besides, the real issue is special teams.
In the NFL, depth receivers must contribute here. Toub admitted earlier this month, “He’s got to play somewhere being a third, fourth, or fifth receiver—those guys got to play on special teams.” Thornton has played zero special teams snaps in 28 career games.
This lack of a defined role makes him expendable. So, what could force the Chiefs' hand?
The answer lies in the upcoming waiver wire frenzy.
The Waiver Wire Waiting Game
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is always hunting for talent. Veach might pounce for a veteran offensive lineman or a proven cornerback. Consequently, adding that player requires cutting someone else.
A receiver who doesn't play special teams is the obvious choice, especially as players return from the injured list. This procedural move would again require a roster opening. Hence, Thornton’s blazing camp speed becomes secondary to cold, hard roster logistics. He is a luxury the Chiefs may not afford. This isn’t about talent.
It’s about necessity. As the old racetrack saying goes, speed kills. But in this case, it might not be enough to save his job come Sept. 5.
Thornton traverses on this ice. His story underscores a simple truth: making the team is one thing, but surviving the relentless churn of the league is another. The next page turns next Friday, in Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil.
Until then, every practice rep is an audition. And every punt a referendum.