Here are Chiefs’ options for punt and kickoff returns if Richie James is out vs. Bears
Every day at practice, several Chiefs take turns returning kicks.
The Chiefs likely will need to tap into that pool of depth starting with Sunday’s home game against the Chicago Bears.
RIchie James, who has returned every punt and kickoff for the Chiefs through two games, missed his second day of practice on Thursday with a knee injury.
And head coach Andy Reid suggested James’ injury could be longer-term in nature.
If James cannot play, noted Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub, return duties may fall to a committee.
“I’ve got a lot of guys, got a lot of options,” Toub said.
Experience is the most important factor, Toub said, and the Chiefs have three others on the roster who have returned kicks in the NFL.
Receivers Skyy Moore, Justin Watson and Kadarius Toney all returned punts last season, and running back Isiah Pacheco was the Chiefs’ primary kickoff-return man.
Moore had ball-security issues last season, losing the handle on three punt returns. He finished strong with a 29-yard return that set up the winning field goal in the Chiefs’ AFC Championship Game.
Toney had 10 punt returns during the 2022 regular season and set a Super Bowl record with a 65-yard return that set up a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.
But Toney has missed practice this week with a toe injury.
Watson averaged 7.8 yards in five returns last season and also returned punts and kicks while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Pacheco was the team’s primary kick-return specialist last season. He logged 29 of the team’s 36 attempts.
Toub also suggested that rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice could return kicks.
“We have guys that have done it, and done it at a high level,” Toub said.
This story was originally published September 21, 2023 at 1:47 PM.