Chiefs Fan-Favorite Suddenly a Cut Candidate After Concerning Preseason Week 2
By Joe Summers
Chiefs WR Nikko Remigio had long looked like a serious contender to steal a roster spot, though his preseason efforts may now have cost him that position.
After muffing a punt and getting the ball ripped out of his hands on a catch that should've resulted in a Jaguars TD if not for a botched referee call in Week 1, Remigio was an afterthought in Week 2 against the Lions on Saturday.
He did not receive a single offensive snap in the first half, while fellow WRs Skyy Moore and Justyn Ross received plenty of looks with the first-team offense. Remigio eventually saved his day with an excellent punt return, but the damage may already have been done.
Chiefs WR Nikko Remigio is Losing His Roster Battle
1st half snap counts:
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) August 17, 2024
WR: Worthy 18, Rice 17, Watson 16, Ross 16, Moore 14, Hardman 7, Toney 6. It's an ominous sign for Nikko Remigio that he hasn't played on offense.
TE: Wiley 15, Gray 13, Kelce 13, Smith 4, Cupp 2, Spivey 1.
After Kadarius Toney's embarrassing double-penalty on his first snap, the wide receiver room appears nearly settled. However, the ongoing battle between Remigio and Moore is the biggest storyline remaining with roster cut day quickly approaching.
Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Justin Watson are locks. Mecole Hardman looks to be a lock as well, though some fans believe he's still a cut candidate. Justyn Ross' position appears safe, leaving one theoretical spot for Remigio or Moore.
It's possible the Chiefs keep only six wide receivers, rendering the point moot, though after Brown's injury, it'd be prudent for the organization to keep seven for the second straight year. Moore earned 14 first-half snaps compared to Remigio's goose egg, yet Remigio's second-half punt return opened the conversation again.
#Chiefs WR/PR @nikkoremigio with an excellent 43 yard punt return that even got Dave Toub and @tkelce hyped.@ChiefsFocus | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/kbKS4bDbdq
— P-Mac McGruder (@ChiefsFan4Lyfe) August 18, 2024
Either Remigio or Moore will be the team's punt returner in all likelihood, especially after Dave Toub's comments that they'd keep Worthy away from that part of the game.
That Remigio didn't receive any snaps in the first half is a bad sign but he still has an opportunity this week to overcome Moore for that final spot. It's a major week for those two and Chiefs fans need to pay close attention heading into the final preseason game on Thursday.
More Kansas City Chiefs News:
feed