The Kansas City Chiefs look to add another AFC West division title this weekend with just four weeks remaining in the NFL’s regular season. The optimism for postseason success grows with the impending return of two valued receivers.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has connected with multiple offensive targets this season, featuring various packages and personnel. In recent weeks, Mahomes has had to make do without receivers Kadarius Toney and Mecole Hardman. The duo has missed the last few games due to injuries, but each has a chance to return this Sunday, much to the delight of Mahomes as he addressed reporters Wednesday.
“I think getting Mecole (Hardman) and KT (Kadarius Toney) back will just add another dimension,” said Mahomes. “I mean, obviously, they can do the jet sweeps and stuff like that but just adding that speed to the field it makes teams have to honor it. Obviously, Marquez (Valdes-Scantling) has done a great job of filling that role, and so has Skyy (Moore), but just to continue to add speed – to any offense – that those two guys have. I think it’ll open up everybody else because you have to really account for those two guys on every play.”
Hardman has been out of action with an abdominal injury and was placed on injured reserve on November 17th. He is on the mend, being watched closely by the training staff during the course of the upcoming practice week. Hardman will look to pick up on the 25 receptions for 297 yards with four touchdowns this season. Hardman is still a weapon on special teams and a versatile piece on offense, having rushed for 31 yards with two more touchdowns on jet sweeps.
The Chiefs acquired Toney at the trade deadline from New York Giants. He has a well-noted injury history, but he has shown promise in the offense in his short time with the team with six catches for 69 yards, a touchdown and two carries for 33 yards in two games played.
Both players are electric and could be an extra boost to the offense and special teams as Kansas City eyes a postseason run.
