The Kansas City Chiefs’ passing attack has not begun the season the way that many in Chiefs Kingdom expected. Entering the year, Chiefs fans expected the passing game to be revitalized. Unfortunately, Rashee Rice’s suspension and Xavier Worthy sustaining a shoulder injury on the first drive of the season have affected that.
With those two players down, Kansas City has had to rely on veterans Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster. While Brown became the focal point of the offense in Week 1, both players were nonexistent last week. As a result, the Chiefs should shift focus away from Smith-Schuster and incorporate rookie Jalen Royals this week.
Chiefs Must Involve Jalen Royals This Week
During training camp, the 28-year-old was pointed out by Andy Reid as a leader in the wide receiver room. Smith-Schuster being named a leader in the wide receiver room made sense, given his experience in the NFL and with the Chiefs specifically. That said, he is yet to step up in the depleted receiver room like a leader would.
In two games, Smith-Schuster has recorded six receptions on eight targets for 60 yards. Considering he had a strong training camp and his experience with Patrick Mahomes, many figured he’d find ways to get open for his quarterback. That has not been the case as of yet.
Thus, the Chiefs should look at other avenues to get production from the receiving corps. Rookie Jalen Royals is one of the options they must consider. Royals missed the first two weeks due to knee tendonitis. However, he returned to practice on Wednesday as a limited participant and then practiced in full on Thursday.
Prior to his injury, the rookie receiver had fans excited to see what he could do in real games. The former Utah State receiver flashed in training camp and the preseason. His most memorable play in the preseason was a 49-yard kick return in the second game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Furthermore, Royals were quickly creating good chemistry with Mahomes in practice. Fans were looking forward to seeing that in regular-season games, especially once Rice got suspended. After a two-week wait, fans finally get their wish.
Even so, it will likely still take Royals time to fully adjust to the NFL. Still, if he is able to provide a spark in the Chiefs’ receiving game this week against the New York Giants, it would be much appreciated.
