Kadarius Toney just can’t seem to stay healthy. As the Kansas City Chiefs begin training camp, the third-year wide receiver has suffered yet another injury. On July 25, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave reporters an update on Toney, who looks — or at least, looked — like Kansas City’s WR1 heading into the 2023 NFL season.
Kadarius Toney Injury Update
Toney underwent surgery to repair cartilage in his knee, Reid said on Tuesday. Toney, who underwent a cleanup procedure on his knee earlier this offseason, still might be able to return for Week 1, but it’s unclear how realistic that is.
“There’s a chance (Toney is available) for the first game (against the Lions),” Reid said. “We’ll just see. He’s determined that he’s going to be there … I’m pulling for him.”
Toney injured his meniscus when attempting to change direction while catching during Sunday’s practice session. Because Toney has already participated in training camp, he’s ineligible to be placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
If Toney isn’t available for the first game of the year, the Chiefs could conceivably place him on injured reserve to start the season. However, that would require a four-game absence. If Kansas City thinks he can return by Week 2 or 3, they could carry Toney on their initial roster as an inactive player.
Kadarius Toney’s Injury History
A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Toney already has a lengthy injury history as a pro. Through two years in the league, he’s appeared in just 19 of a possible 34 games and has never played in more than 50 snaps in a single contest.
Toney, who also dealt with injury issues in college, has battled constant health questions since entering the NFL. Here’s a brief summary of Toney’s injury history:
- Aug. 2021: Hamstring
- Oct. 2021: Ankle
- Nov. 2021: Quad
- Dec. 2021: Oblique
- Late Dec. 2021: Shoulder
- May 2022: Knee
- Aug. 2022: Hamstring
- Nov. 2022: Hamstring
- Mar. 2023: Knee
- July 2023: Knee
Kansas City Chiefs WR Depth Chart
The Chiefs had talked up Toney — whom they acquired from the New York Giants at the 2022 trade deadline — as their top wideout all offseason long. With Toney sidelined, Kansas City will need to dip further into its wide receiver depth chart.
If the season started today, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore would likely be locked in as the Chiefs’ top two wide receivers.
Toney’s injury could create more opportunities for second-round rookie Rashee Rice or free agent addition Richie James, who has already drawn rave reviews for his training camp connection with Patrick Mahomes.
The Chiefs are unlikely to find a contributor on the free agent market. K.C. was interested in DeAndre Hopkins before he signed with the Tennessee Titans, but the list of available receivers is now barren. Former Chiefs WR Byron Pringle, who may have been a potential option, signed with the Washington Commanders on Tuesday.