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