The Kansas City Chiefs defense might be ready for Week 1 here on July 24.
During a padless training camp practice on Wednesday morning, third-year defensive end George Karlaftis absolutely leveled wide receiver Kadarius Toney — and the playmaker was not happy about it. KC Sports Network shared video of the incident, in which Karlaftis runs straight through Toney, leading to the latter beaming the football at his back.
“Gittin’ CHIPPY 😬,” KC Sports Network weighed in after posting the footage on X. Adding that superstar tight end Travis Kelce had “some words” for Karlaftis after he laid out Toney.
To be clear, there aren’t supposed to be any big hits until the full pads come on. So, Toney has a right to be upset.
Having said that, there are always a few incidents like this in the dead heat of summer. This time, it was between Karlaftis and Toney as the Chiefs offense and defense continue to compete.
Chiefs Kingdom Reacts to George Karlaftis Hit on Kadarius Toney at Training Camp
If you’re wondering what the general reaction to this tackle was on social media, most within Chiefs Kingdom appeared to like what they saw.
The most popular comment on this video read: “Karlaftis appears to just straight up plow through him here 🤣.”
Another fan said: “Feels like great competition with no slack for either side. Gotta love it!”
“Love that fire 🔥. Keep it coming,” a third wrote. And a fourth reacted: “This team won two years in a row and they still hungry.”
Few seemed to feel sorry for Toney — who isn’t the most well-liked Chief after a poor season — or criticize Karlaftis, but one response did ask: “Why did he destroy him like that they’re in shorts 😭?”
It should be a fun couple of weeks before Kansas City plays against their first preseason opponent on August 10.
Chiefs OC Matt Nagy Explains Kadarius Toney Usage at Running Back During Training Camp
Toney is still a wide receiver for now, but he could play some running back in 2024. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy discussed the potential position change on July 24.
“The biggest thing right now with [Toney] is just us being able to use his strengths,” the Chiefs OC told reporters. “He’s super talented. He can do a lot of things. So, right now is probably the time to experiment and use these reps that we get.”
Nagy also confirmed that the Kansas City coaching staff will continue to get Toney more and more reps at both running back and wide receiver as the summer goes on, seemingly preparing him for a sort of hybrid role in the offense.
“I think he’s a weapon when you use him that way,” the coordinator went on. Adding: “Being able to bounce him around in different spots — so far so good.”
The more reasons Toney can give the Chiefs to keep him around on the final year of his rookie contract, the better. Barring injury, KC will have to make a few difficult cuts at wide receiver this year and the former first-round talent is not expected to be 100 percent safe.
As of now, he’s competing with the likes of 2022 second rounder Skyy Moore, veteran Justin Watson, 2023 UDFA Nikko Remigio, free agency returnee Mecole Hardman, fan favorite prospect Justyn Ross, return specialist Montrell Washington and more for a spot on the initial 53.
