Kadarius Toney's eventful summer took another turn on Tuesday as he left practice on a staff cart. He's missed some of training camp with an injury already and could be a cut candidate, so this absence looms large.
Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride didn't believe Toney's exit was related to injury, adding a level of intrigue to a bizarre scenario.
Toney is trying to prove he deserves to be on the 53-man roster. At some point, it's hard to do that if you aren't actually on the field.
Kadarius Toney Leaves Tuesday's Practice For Unknown Reason
Kadarius Toney has left practice — didn’t look like a medical issue, front of what appeared to be a staff cart
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 6, 2024
Toney is entering the final year of his contract at a highly competitive position. It's hard to believe after last year's struggles but Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio, and Justyn Ross make up a deep, versatile group of receivers.
Difficult decisions need to be made. At least two of those players will not be on the final roster, perhaps three. Toney theoretically has an advantage due to his versatility, though he's been injury-prone and unreliable throughout his career, further complicating matters.
#Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney had a nice 1-on-1 rep against Nazeeh Johnson. Play prior saw Jaylen Watson jam Nikko Remigio in press and throw off the timing.
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) August 6, 2024
By all accounts, Toney was having a nice practice prior to his exit. He's dynamic with the ball in his hands and offers a skillset that Kansas City's other receivers don't possess. Thus, it's reasonable to believe the coaching staff hopes he earns a spot.
He does have to earn it though. The Chiefs are trying to win a third straight Super Bowl and can't just give valuable snaps away. Toney has all the talent in the world, it's just been a matter of consistently harnessing it.
With just under a month until a Week 1 showdown against the Ravens, it's time to put up or shut up. Here's hoping Toney makes the team's decision easy.
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