The Kansas City Chiefs held their first mandatory minicamp session on Tuesday afternoon. This meant that Kansas City had its full arsenal of weapons available after players were absent during OTAs. As a result, the Chiefs were able to see how players lower on the depth chart perform at different positions.
One of those players was training camp standout Tyquan Thornton. On Tuesday, Thornton was added to the special teams unit as a gunner, according to Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star. This is a huge development for the 25-year-old, who was notably not a special teamer during his time with the New England Patriots.
Kansas City testing Thornton out as a gunner could be the writing on the wall for kick/punt returner Nikko Remigio.
Some notebook items from today's Chiefs practice:
— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) June 17, 2025
• WR Tyquan Thornton took reps at gunner. He impressed in OTAs, so him adding special teams value could be important as he tries to make roster.
• LT Jaylon Moore did not take part in team drills.
• Standout plays included…
Tyquan Thornton Could Take Nikko Remigio's Roster Spot in 2025
Although Thornton isn't being tested as a return man, the fact that he is getting looks at gunner should put Remigio on notice. The ex-Patriot receiver had a solid OTA period, highlighted by a nice deep connection with Patrick Mahomes.
You miss this? pic.twitter.com/Fzrxc71xsi
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 30, 2025
Remigio, on the other hand, didn't have the same OTA experience. Instead, special teams coordinator Dave Toub made it known that he was in a position battle with Xavier Worthy and rookie Brashard Smith. Though Worthy's chances of being named the punt/kick returner are low given his importance to the offense, Smith can certainly earn that spot.
Thus, putting Remigio in a spot where he must impress at wide receiver and returner to maintain a roster spot. If he fails to do so, Thornton is set up to take that spot with his ability at receiver and potential to be a good gunner with his speed.
Nevertheless, Remigio was a solid returner for Kansas City last season, so keeping an eye on how the bottom of the receiver room shakes out this offseason will be interesting.