After the Kansas City Chiefs announced their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, seven wide receivers remained with the squad: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Richie James, and Justyn Ross. Going so heavy at the position group marked a first in the 11 seasons since head coach Andy Reid arrived in Kansas City.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach lauded the variety of talents available in the wide receivers’ room — and expressed confidence Reid’s staff will know how to divide touches in the passing game. It was also implied that a season-ending injury to tight end Jody Fortson — a 6’4” red zone target — may have affected the decision to start the season with seven wide receivers.