KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- On the surface, it seems that the Kansas City Chiefs should be able to survive nicely without punt returner and slot receiver De’Anthony Thomas. His season ended when the Chiefs placed him on the non-football illness list.
Thomas averaged 7.8 yards per punt return, or almost a yard less than his replacement, Frankie Hammond Jr. He had 17 catches, nine rushes and two touchdowns, so his offensive production wasn’t outstanding. And the Chiefs have won all five games since Thomas suffered a concussion Nov. 22 against the San Diego Chargers.