Sitting at 1-2 on the year, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ theme of the season is attempting to overcome adversity. Whether it be in-game struggles, injuries or external circumstances, the reigning AFC champions haven’t had a normal first three games.
Heading into Week 3’s outing against the New York Giants, many thought the debut of rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals would provide some stability. In a bit of a shocker, though, head coach Andy Reid didn’t play Royals a single snap on Sunday Night Football.
Why was that the case? Reid explained his call following the game.
Andy Reid Explains Chiefs’ Decision to Not Play Jalen Royals in Week 3
Speaking to the media on Monday, Reid said Royals was more of a backup plan than anything else. The Chiefs didn’t want to throw him directly back into the fire after weeks away from live reps.
“Well Jalen just came back, so I had him there as kind of an emergency just in case we absolutely needed him,” Reid said. “His first week of practice in a month was last week, and he’s a rookie and so on. So this was really his first game of suiting up, and you can figure out the rest of it. He’ll continue to work in there. It’s great to have him back.”
The abundance of caution does make some sense. Although Royals wasn’t listed among the club’s game-day inactives, him suiting up only to sit on the bench likely isn’t the end of the world. After all, knee tendonitis is a tricky ailment to deal with. Going from practice to a package of plays in a game can be taxing and put young players in difficult situations.
Still, Royals will have to play at some point. Perhaps a full week of 100% participation in practice will be just what the doctor — and Reid — ordered. Kansas City is back at home for Week 4, this time hosting the Baltimore Ravens in a battle of teams currently below .500 on the year. Don’t get it twisted, though, as both sides boast plenty of firepower.
The hosts will need all hands on deck. That might just include Royals, their fourth-round pick, this weekend.
Kansas City Excited to Get Rashee Rice Back in Building
More help seems to be on the way for the Chiefs. Peeking into the future, Rashee Rice is eligible to return from the reserve/suspended list following Week 6. The former second-rounder is the best wideout on the team and will give the offense a major boost once he’s on the field.
In the meantime, Rice is back in the building in Kansas City and can partake in meetings. That’s marks a progression with his suspension, and Reid says the team is happy about it.
“We do get four back, and I know the guys will be fired up about that to see him,” Reid said. “He can’t practice. He can’t be on the field, but he can do the other stuff. Just having him around, he’s a good positive energy to have around.”
One more receiver’s situation is worth monitoring. Xavier Worthy continues to advance in his rehab from a dislocated shoulder sustained in Week 1’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Because he was limited in practice last week, Reid and company decided it was best to sit him against New York. Getting back to full participation would suggest he’s close to reassuming his spot in the lineup.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The Chiefs are finding that out the hard way at the receiver position, but their patient approach figures to pay off down the line.
Confusing Chiefs Playing Time Decision Justified by Andy Reid