When Dave Toub, Special Teams Coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs addressed the media on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, he made it clear that wide‑out Tyquan Thornton, a 25‑year‑old wide receiver for the Chiefs, is "a threat as a kick returner and punt returner". The comments came just hours before the club’s Week 7 clash with the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Why Thornton’s Speed Matters
Thornton, a Texas native drafted by New England in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled to crack a consistent offensive snap count in Kansas City. Toub, who earned NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year honors in 2018, 2020 and 2022, sees the young receiver’s 4.6‑second 40‑yard dash as a weapon that could lift the Chiefs’ return game beyond its already respectable 24.3‑yard kickoff average and 9.7‑yard punt average.
"He's got a lot of speed," Toub said, chuckling as he fielded a flurry of follow‑up questions. "He's a threat as a kick returner and punt returner."
Roster Puzzle: How Many Receivers Is Too Many?
The special‑teams coordinator also dove into the nitty‑gritty of NFL roster construction. With the league mandating a 53‑player active roster and a 48‑player game‑day list, coaches must squeeze every position into a limited pool. "We could have seven wide receivers up," Toub explained, "so you gotta help them somewhere on special teams, otherwise you’re just wasting spots."
That logic puts Thornton squarely in the box for a roster spot, as the Chiefs look to balance depth at receiver with aggressive return units.
Coaching Voices in the Room
It wasn’t just Toub on the mic. Andy Reid, Head Coach of the Chiefs introduced the panel, while defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy chimed in on scheme tweaks. Even Pro Bowl defensive tackle Chris Jones added, "There's a huge sense of urgency" as the club prepares for what Patrick Mahomes called a potential "trap game" against the Raiders.
The conversation turned personal when Toub was asked about mental coaching for kicker Harrison Butker. "Never. I’ve called people before, I said, ‘Hey, take a look at this guy’s technique,’" Toub admitted, emphasizing a no‑ego approach: "I’m not afraid to check my ego at the door."
The Raiders Challenge
The upcoming Chiefs‑Raiders Week 7 matchupAllegiant Stadium pits Kansas City’s 7th‑ranked kickoff return unit against a Raiders special‑teams squad that sits 22nd in coverage, allowing an average of 21.8 yards per kickoff return.
"If we can flip field position early, those 3‑plus yards become a score," noted Toub. The Raiders, coached by Josh McDaniels, have leaned heavily on a ground‑and‑punish philosophy, making a dynamic return game a possible game‑changer.
Owner Perspective and Club Outlook
Behind the scenes, Clark Hunt, Chairman and CEO of the Kansas City Chiefs has signaled patience with developing talent. "We’re building a sustainable roster," Hunt said in a recent interview, adding that special‑teams excellence is a cornerstone of the franchise’s long‑term success.
Through six weeks of the 2025 season, the Chiefs rank 7th in the league in kickoff return average (24.3 yards) and 12th in punt return average (9.7 yards). Adding Thornton could bump those numbers into the top five, a statistical edge that often translates into wins in close contests.
What Comes Next?
The final roster cut will be announced Tuesday. If Thornton makes the 53‑man roster, fans can expect him on the field for at least the kickoff unit, and possibly the punt return squad, when the Chiefs hit the desert on Oct. 19.
Regardless of the outcome, Toub’s message was clear: speed, willingness, and special‑teams contribution are the tickets to staying on the roster in a club that values every inch of field position.
- Key Facts
- Chiefs special‑teams average: 24.3 kickoff yards, 9.7 punt yards.
- Raiders coverage rank: 22nd, 21.8 yards allowed per kickoff.
- Thornton’s 40‑yard dash: 4.6 seconds.
- Toub’s coaching accolades: NFL ST Coach of the Year (2018, 2020, 2022).
- Week 7 game: Oct. 19, 2025, Allegiant Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How could Tyquan Thornton impact the Chiefs' return game?
Thornton’s 4.6‑second 40‑yard dash gives the Chiefs a fresh speed threat on both kickoff and punt returns. If he secures a roster spot, his ability to break tackles could push the team’s average return yards past the 25‑yard mark, improving field‑position odds in close contests.
Why is roster flexibility so important for Kansas City?
With only 48 players active on gameday, coaches must squeeze value from every slot. Carrying a seventh receiver like Thornton only makes sense if he contributes on special teams, preventing the loss of depth at other positions.
What makes the Raiders a tough opponent for special teams?
The Raiders rank 22nd in kickoff‑coverage, allowing 21.8 yards per return. Their disciplined unit can limit big gains, meaning any extra yardage the Chiefs earn from a dynamic returner could swing momentum.
Has Dave Toub used mental coaches before?
Toub admitted he has never brought a mental coach onto staff, but he’s not shy about consulting external experts on technique, saying, "I'm not afraid to check my ego at the door."
When is the Chiefs‑Raiders game scheduled?
The Week 7 showdown is set for Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
