Despite being unavailable for most of his time with the Giants and part of his first season with the Chiefs, Kadarius Toney has managed to stay healthy this year. However, his health has not translated into the game-breaking plays the Chiefs were hoping for when they traded third- and sixth-round picks to acquire him. Instead, Toney has become the face of the team’s wide receiver problem.

During the crucial offside infraction against the Bills, Toney made a mistake that was followed by a drop leading to an interception in the Patriots game. The Chiefs had high expectations for Toney as a potential No. 1 receiver, but he has only caught 27 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown this year.

The Chiefs’ limited options at wide receiver due to injuries and failed upgrade efforts in the offseason make it unlikely for Toney to be removed from a regular role on offense. Toney is expected to remain part of the receiver rotation, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler.

Kansas City’s receiver troubles extend beyond Toney. Skyy Moore and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have also made critical mistakes, and the departure of JuJu Smith-Schuster after a strong 2022 season has been noticeable. The team will continue to depend on the development of Rashee Rice, who holds a sizable yardage lead among Chiefs wideouts.

The Chiefs will soon have another option available as they designated Mecole Hardman for return. Hardman, who was reacquired in October, will provide an auxiliary target for Patrick Mahomes in a time of need. The Chiefs have 21 days to move Hardman back to the active roster.

Although Hardman has been slow to reacclimate in Missouri, it would not be surprising to see the team reintegrate him soon. With Moore on IR and Toney unreliable, the Chiefs may look to Hardman once he is activated. The team has six IR activations remaining.