Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney is expected to rejoin the team for practice later this week, according to head coach Andy Reid. The coach downplayed Toney’s recent social media outburst, where the wide receiver suggested that the team was dishonest about his injury status, using strong language. Despite Reid acknowledging the outburst, he emphasized that Toney has indeed been on the injury report.
“Obviously, he’s been on the injury report. That part is – that’s not made up by any means,” stated Reid on Monday. “He’s been working through some things. He’ll be back out there.”
The Chiefs, who are gearing up for their second consecutive Super Bowl appearance and fourth in five seasons, will resume practice on Thursday after a two-day break following a team meeting on Monday.
Reid addressed Toney’s situation, expressing a wait-and-see approach regarding his return to the field. “He’ll be back out there, and we’ll see. We’ll see how he does,” Reid remarked.
Toney has been listed on the injury report consistently in the latter half of the season, citing hip or hip/ankle injuries. He has not played since December 17. While he was a full participant in practice last Wednesday, his status was downgraded to limited in the following days. The Chiefs ruled him out for the AFC championship game against the Baltimore Ravens, citing both his injury and “personal reasons.”
NFL Network reporter James Palmer provided insight into the personal reasons, noting that Toney’s absence was due to the birth of his first child, a daughter, on Saturday. Despite this explanation, Toney took to Instagram Live on Sunday to express his frustration, stating, “I’m not hurt” and implying that the Chiefs were being deceptive to keep him off the field. He refuted the reported injuries, claiming, “It goes from hip to ankle to this to that.”
Toney, a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was traded from the New York Giants to the Chiefs midway through last season. While he made a notable contribution in the previous Super Bowl with a record-setting 65-yard punt return, he has struggled to fulfill expectations this season. Despite the Chiefs lacking a consistent big-play receiver, Toney’s statistics include 27 catches for 169 yards and one touchdown.
The situation raises questions about the communication between players and the team regarding injuries and playing status. Reid’s assertion that Toney will be back at practice indicates a desire to move forward, but the resolution of this matter remains uncertain as the Chiefs prepare for their Super Bowl matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The team will likely face further scrutiny as the situation unfolds in the coming days.