The Chiefs won’t be rolling out Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the offense’s big names for Saturday’s preseason opener, but one part of the roster is set to get an early test at Arrowhead Stadium.
Dave Toub said the Chiefs’ special teams starters will see action in the 3 p.m. exhibition against the L.A. Rams, at least for one kicking or coverage rep. “You’ll have my front-line guys early in the game,” said Toub, the team’s assistant head coach and special teams coordinator.
That group includes return specialist Nikko Remigio, along with players such as cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace, who has handled gunner duties on coverage units. Toub made it clear, though, that he does not expect to lean on those players for long.
“I want to see everybody,” Toub said. “But I don’t need to see a lot of Nikko. I really want to see the off-returners blocking, more than anything.”
He also wants a look at the second punt return option, Brashard Smith, and possibly rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen on a return, though Allen may sit out after missing part of camp with a bruised shin.
For Toub, the preseason work on special teams can say a lot about roster battles, especially at wide receiver. Remigio’s role as a returner could help secure his spot, which raises the question of where he stands compared with other receiver hopefuls like Jalen Royals and Andrew Armstrong.
“I can’t wait,” Toub said, “because for me, this is really the time I get to evaluate, you know, whether a guy can block and tackle on special teams, live tackling to the ground, plus you’re hitting somebody else.
“These guys have been hitting each other for weeks now.”
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