Kansas City Chiefs Wide Receiver Kadarius Toney Undergoes Knee Surgery Ahead of Regular Season Opener
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney recently underwent surgery to clean up cartilage in his knee, with hopes of returning for the start of the regular season. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided an update on Toney’s status during a press conference on Tuesday.
“We’ll just see. He’s determined that he’s going to be there,” said Reid, expressing optimism about Toney’s potential return for Week 1. “I’m pulling for him.”
Toney sustained the knee injury during training camp on Sunday while practicing punt returns. Coach Reid revealed that Toney felt the injury when attempting a sudden change in direction. The wide receiver had previously undergone an offseason “cleanup procedure” on his knee.
The Chiefs are set to face the Detroit Lions in their NFL season opener on Thursday, September 7. Losing Toney for the first game could put a dent in the Chiefs’ offensive plans, but the team remains hopeful for his recovery.
The Kansas City Chiefs have invested in rebuilding their wide receiving group over the past couple of seasons after trading Tyreek Hill and losing JuJu Smith-Schuster in free agency. Toney has played a central role in this effort, impressing with his performances. Last year, the Chiefs acquired Toney in a trade with the New York Giants, who selected him in the first round of the 2021 draft.
Toney showcased his skills for the Chiefs, particularly during the fourth quarter of their Super Bowl LVII victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. He caught a crucial touchdown pass that secured the Chiefs’ lead early in the period and later set up another touchdown with a 65-yard punt return.
However, injuries have plagued Toney’s career thus far, preventing him from completing a full NFL season. As a rookie with the Giants, he missed six games due to injury, and last season, he was only able to participate in nine games.
ESPN’s Adam Teicher and Reuters contributed to this report, emphasizing the significance of Toney’s injury and his potential impact on the Chiefs’ upcoming season. Chiefs fans and football enthusiasts will eagerly await updates on Toney’s progress in his recovery journey, as his return could greatly impact the team’s offensive strategies and performances on the field.