The Kansas City Chiefs' receiver depth has continued to take surprising hits before the preseason has begun. Rashee Rice is finally healthy, but there is a looming suspension expected to take the receiver out for the first weeks of the season. Hollywood Brown joined the list of concerns, sitting out the end of Tuesday's practice and riding on the front of the cart into the facility. Brown's status is now in question, along with Xavier Worthy, who suffered a head injury. The star receiver is in concussion protocol, serving as a reminder of why the speed option fell to the Chiefs in the first place.
Worthy's small build does lend itself to these types of injuries, and it is unquestionably a concern moving forward. However, these losses have served as an opportunity for Kansas City's depth options to step into surprise roles. The biggest example of this is Tyquan Thornton, who was already praised early in camp by head coach Andy Reid. The hot start has continued with Thornton stepping into a far more important role with the recent injuries to the position. Leaving room to wonder if the Chiefs might've found a surprise contributor.
Chiefs Depth Receiver Tyquan Thorton Taking Advantage of Surprise Role
#Chiefs WR Tyquan Thornton with another impressive snag from Mahomes at training camp 👀 pic.twitter.com/yScfgWt8g3
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) July 29, 2025
Thorton was first drafted by the New England Patriots in an effort to find a reliable option at the position. The second-round pick underwhelmed and was released after two years with the Patriots. Kansas City signed the receiver in 2024 to the practice squad before bringing him back this past offseason. The signing was viewed as a depth move, offering the Chiefs another possible answer for the final spot at the position.
The former Patriot is doing his best to change this impression, showing chemistry with Mahomes and consistently impressing coaches. Fans are starting to take notice of the suspected draft bust and wondering if perhaps Reid and Mahomes are going to unlock a surprise contributor yet again. If Worthy and Brown continue to deal with injuries throughout the preseason, the pass catcher will be given every possible opportunity. With this in mind, Thornton is a player fans must keep a close eye on in the next weeks.
It has grown impossible to ignore the surprise impression from the receiver as the organization searches for ways to fill the lost production. While it is still incredibly early, it is an exciting sign that the franchise has perhaps found an answer.