Andy Reid Provides Key Injury Updates On Chiefs Wide Receivers, And There's A Lot Of Them
The ailment status of Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers Mecole Hardman (pelvis), JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), and Kadarius Toney (ankle and hamstring) constitutes a critical narrative to track prior to Super Bowl 57.
Each of the three wideouts exited Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals and did not return. Despite the shortage of wide receivers, Patrick Mahomes demonstrated his fortitude by guiding his team to a 23-20 last-second triumph, securing a Super Bowl encounter with the Philadelphia Eagles. As reported by NFL.com's Nick Shook, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid informed reporters that Hardman is doubtful to participate, yet he remains hopeful regarding Smith-Schuster and Toney's availability.
"I have doubts he'll play in the Super Bowl," Reid said in reference to Hardman. With the multiple injuries to wide receivers, Mahomes relied on Marquez Valdes-Scantling and the legendary tight end Travis Kelce in the aerial attack against Cincinnati. Valdes-Scantling led the receiving corps with six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, while Kelce recorded seven receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.
Kansas City signed Smith-Schuster to a one-year contract during the 2022 free agency, and he thrived as the team's new WR1 following Tyreek Hill's departure. Smith-Schuster concluded the season with 78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns.
Toney, a first-round pick of the New York Giants in 2021, was traded to Kansas City before the deadline. Reid utilized Toney as both a runner and a receiver, and he finished with 171 rushing yards, 59 receiving yards, and three total touchdowns.
Hardman was limited to eight games during the regular season and recorded 34 receptions for 297 yards and four touchdowns.
