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By Jordan Sigler
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The Kansas City Chiefs have been a popular name tied to two veteran receivers, Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins, and some early returns from training camp are showing that more help might be needed at the position.
Rashee Rice underwent surgery on his right knee in May, and the Chiefs needed to see improvement out of Tyquan Thornton, Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals and rookie Cyrus Allen while he recovers.
Per Nate Taylor of ESPN, Rice left the practice field before individual periods to have a rehab day with the training staff as planned. In his absence, the receiver corps left a lot to be desired for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who returned to practice after suffering an ACL injury last season.
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Per Taylor, Thornton had an ugly drop during the first team period when he was wide open a in the middle of the field. Royals had a couple of plays he might want back. He fumbled the ball a few steps after he made a catch. A few plays later, Royals didn't get his head turned around in time for a pass from Mahomes, causing an incompletion.
Allen appears to have had the best day of any player in the receiver corps, as he found ways to get open. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid hopes Mahomes and Allen can continue to build their connection.
"Cyrus had a good day," Reid said. "I think Pat's got some trust there. We've got a long way to go, but we've just got to keep going, keep growing. He's got talent and he's been able to retain (information)."
Struggles in the passing game for the Chiefs are uncommon when the pads aren't on. Reid prefers to see the offense light up the defense during 7-on-7 drills, something he sees as more of an offensive drill.
Receiver was an issue for the Chiefs last season amid a 6-11 record. Tight end Travis Kelce led Kansas City in receiving with 851 yards and five touchdowns. Hollywood Brown had the most receiving yards (587) by a wide receiver, but he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency.
The Chiefs have some time to see how Thornton and Worthy progress during training camp, but their best option might be to find help from someone currently outside the organization.
For more on the Chiefs and the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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