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Chiefs OC Matt Nagy Discussed 2 Players That Have Been Underutilized Potentially Getting More Involved

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Searching for answers after an 0–2 start and uneven offensive showings, the Kansas City Chiefs are weighing tweaks that could put two underused skill players on the field more often. Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy said Thursday that tight end Robert Tonyan and running back Brashard Smith are candidates for expanded roles as the staff experiments with personnel packages to jump-start production.

Both are really good players … I like both of those guys,” Nagy said, noting that each already has situational packages and emphasizing a “next-man-up” mindset. He called Tonyan a trusted veteran who has stepped in seamlessly in the tight end room, while adding that Smith is still learning but “on a good pace” and “really growing.”

The push comes amid a sluggish run game and inconsistent pass catching that have forced Patrick Mahomes to shoulder a superstar workload. Despite a standout preseason—eight catches for 90 yards and a touchdown—Tonyan has logged just 13 offensive snaps through two regular-season games and has not been targeted. Smith, who flashed speed in camp and mixed in with the first team, finished the preseason with 33 rushing yards on nine carries and has only one carry for two yards (and no receptions on one target) so far.

One logical lever is role redistribution behind Travis Kelce. No. 2 tight end Noah Gray has just two catches for four yards, opening the door for Tonyan to absorb a bigger route share in 12 personnel, play-action, and leak concepts. For Smith, the staff could manufacture touches via jet motion, screens, and perimeter runs to add pace and lighten boxes for the ground game.

The urgency is clear: backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are averaging a combined 3.4 yards per carry, limiting down-and-distance leverage and red-zone efficiency. Even modest gains from Tonyan and Smith could diversify the middle-of-the-field attack, stabilize early downs, and reduce the necessity for Mahomes to create off-script.

Nagy stopped short of promising snap counts, but his message was unmistakable: the Chiefs intend to test fresh combinations—and two underutilized pieces may be first in line.

Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”