The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to have a pair of new players handling kick and punt return duties in 2023. With Isiah Pacheco, Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney each expected to take on larger roles on the offensive side of the ball, there’s certainly a need for it.
Speaking to media members on Thursday, special teams coordinator Dave Toub anticipates there will be some new faces handling return duties. He took some time to point out several who have stood out to him thus far, first naming one of the team’s top undrafted free agent signings.
“Some guys that are doing really well right now you probably want to know (are Deneric) Prince is looking good as a running back,” Toub said. “He reminds me so much of – you guys remember (former Chiefs Running Back) Knile Davis? He reminds me of Knile, he even has the same number. (He) didn’t do it in college, but he’s showing traits right now that he reminds me so much of Knile that it’s kind of scary. And you know, Knile was pretty good for us. As he went on, obviously the touchdowns. And so, I see him in that role.”
Davis might not have been the most dynamic player at running back, but to have his name evoked here is a big compliment. Davis has the franchise record for the longest kick return touchdown with his 108-yard return against the Texans in the 2015 wild-card round of the playoffs. It’s also tied for the second-longest kick return touchdown in NFL history.
Prince contributing as a kick returner could be his ticket to making himself a lock for the 53-man roster. That could be the case for a pair of new receivers, who Toub said are in the mix for return specialist jobs.
“Richie James is a guy that – he’s got experience, (he) did it in NFL games, which that’s huge as we know,” Toub said. “And he’s definitely in the mix. (John) Ross – the other one, No. 85 – he’s another guy that’s got speed. (He) had injury problems at Cincinnati, but if he could stay healthy, he’s definitely in the mix. He’s probably one of our fastest players back there.”
Toub also mentioned Skyy Moore and Ihmir-Smith Marsette, but the key here is that the team has no shortage of options. It’s a far cry from the 2022 NFL season, where the team seemed to be struggling to find players for the roles at times due to injury. The key will be some of the young players like Prince getting an opportunity to showcase his talents during the preseason.
