De’Anthony Thomas is heading to the injured reserve. James Palmer of NFL Network reports (via Twitter) that the Chiefs have placed the wideout on the IR. They’ve promoted safety Leon McQuay from the practice squad to take the open roster spot.
This isn’t unexpected, as we learned yesterday that Thomas had broken his leg in a “freak accident.” Another player reportedly stepped on Thomas’ leg, causing a fracture close to the one he suffered in the last game of the 2017 season. The team doesn’t believe the 25-year-old will need to have surgery, and he’ll be eligible to be activated from the IR after he sits out eight games.
The 2014 fourth-round pick has spent his entire career with Kansas City. He hadn’t played the biggest role on offense this season, hauling in only three catches for 29 yards and a touchdown. He also had a single six-yard carry. The Oregon product also contributed on special teams, returning three kicks and one punt while compiling four tackles. With Thomas out of the picture, Demarcus Robinson and Marcus Kemp will have more opportunities to contribute on offense.
McQuay, a 2017 sixth-round pick by the Chiefs, was waived by the team following the preseason. He quickly caught on with Kansas City’s practice squad, where he’s spent the entire season. The USC product appeared in one game last season, compiling four tackles and one pass defended.