The Kansas City Chiefs are searching for answers on multiple fronts heading into Week 3. Wide receiver is one currenly problematic area for the team, but it appears that situation is suddenly looking up.
According to Nate Taylor of The Athletic, rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals is going to practice for the first time this regular season on Wednesday.
Jalen Royals Set to Return to Chiefs Practice Wednesday
This is a positive step forward for the young playmaker. He has been dealing with knee tendinitis since Aug. 18 that has held him out of any action. This has caused the youngster to miss valuable reps in practice and games as he looks to begin his NFL journey, so getting him back on the field in any capacity is a major win.
Harold R. Kuntz of Fox4KC added that there will be no limitations on either Xavier Worthy or Royals, giving the indication that Royals will be a full go to start Week 3 prep. He was a player who stood out this summer for the Chiefs, providing hope that he could be an effective player as a rookie this campaign.
KC's offense hasn't been able to move the ball the way they imagined through two games with Royals, Rashee Rice and Worthy sidelined, ranking 17th in passing offense (211). Hollywood Brown leads the team in receiving yards, but 99 of those came in the season opener.
Adding another playmaker to their receiving core can open things up on the offense and give them another element that defenses must focus on. Kansas City used a fourth-round pick on Royals, which demonstrates clear belief in his talents.
He will still have to get used to the speed and physicality of the NFL. That's a necessary step for all rookies, yet Royals has the talent to make plays when presented. In his collegiate career at Utah State, Royals had 126 catches for 1,914 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. He also ran a 4.42 40-yard dash, displaying that he has solid speed.
The next steps for him are to get these practice reps in to knock off some rust. If he does suit up on Sunday, the Chiefs will likely ease him back into the lineup. Nonetheless, being able to have him back on the field is a boost for an offense that has failed to score more than 21 points in a game this season.