Chiefs’ De’Anthony Thomas finally set to make his NFL debut Sunday

De’Anthony Thomas is primed to make his NFL debut Sunday, and although he missed the Chiefs’ four games with a hamstring injury, special teams coach Dave Toub is reasonably confident about what the electric rookie running back can do in a punt-return role.

“We got him back there enough where he had to make to some catches, he made some people miss, he got hit one time and spun out and got a touchdown,” Toub said. “He’s got a little bit on tape, so people know about him.”

Toub doesn’t expect Thomas, who is listed as probable on the injury report (which means he will almost assuredly play) to step in immediately and be perfect.

“There’s gonna be a little bit of growing pains, probably,” Toub said. “That’s to be expected. But he brings so much to the table as far as what he can do ... the big-play factor.”

Thomas also has a history of returning kicks at Oregon, but Toub said he is comfortable with Knile Davis handling that role. Davis has returned four kicks for 93 yards this year, an average of 23.3 yards per return.

“There’s a chance we could use (Thomas), but we really like Knile back there and the opportunities we’re gonna get,” Toub said. “But you never know. He can do it. I feel confident with him doing that too, but really, if we use him, it’s going to be as a punt returner.”

In that capacity, Toub said Thomas looked good in the practices leading up to the Chiefs’ win against the Patriots on Monday, but the team chose to be patient in the name of safety.

“Last week he looked good at practice but you’ve just got to give it time, you’ve got to make sure with a hamstring,” Toub said. “We don’t want that thing to keep lingering on.”

Injury report

Safety Eric Berry will miss his fourth straight game on Sunday with a high-ankle sprain, while receiver Donnie Avery, who had surgery on his core muscle injury on Friday, also will miss the game. Offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said A.J. Jenkins likely will start in his place.

Cornerback Marcus Cooper was limited in practice Thursday and Friday and is listed questionable on the injury report, which means he has a 50-50 chance of playing.

Jamaal Charles (ankle), Sean Smith (groin), Tamba Hali (knee) and Frank Zombo (hamstring) were also listed on the injury report, but all are probable for the game.

This story was originally published October 3, 2014 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Chiefs’ De’Anthony Thomas finally set to make his NFL debut Sunday."