De'Anthony

Thomas

With De’Anthony Thomas sitting out the season, Proche should take over as the primary return man. He ran slower than expected at the Combine (4.6 forty) but averaged a career-best 9.6 yards per return at SMU in 2019. Proche isn’t going to contribute on offense, but a strong training camp should lock him into a roster spot.

Thomas split time between the Chiefs and Ravens last season, playing six games in Kansas City before suiting up for eight games in Baltimore. He returned 13 punts and 10 kicks for the Ravens, who re-signed him on a one-year contract back in March. The voluntary opt-out includes a stipend of $150,000.

Thomas appeared in nine games with the Ravens after coming over from the Chiefs. He averaged 7.2 yards on punts and should remain Baltimore’s primary returner. Thomas is also a gunner on special teams.

Thomas spent some time with the Chiefs earlier this year. The Ravens are looking for a spark in the return game after Cyrus Jones put the ball on the ground against the Patriots.

The team elevated QB Kyle Shurmur in a corresponding move. Thomas totaled a single catch since rejoining the Chiefs in August, playing a majority of his reps on special teams. Kansas City also released DT Terrell McClain.

Reid said, “Thomas has done it before and Mecole has kind of been in that position. We feel good working both of them.” Both receivers offer a ton of speed and big-play potential, but the Chiefs will also be asking more from Sammy Watkins and Travis Kelce, too. Hardman was inconsistent at Georgia on deep balls, though he didn’t have Patrick Mahomes throwing them either. Hardman is a high-ceiling, zero-floor WR4 in Oakland.

Thomas’ 2018 was cut short by a broken leg. He’s healthy now and will be a legitimate candidate for the Chiefs’ 53-man roster. Coach Andy Reid has always appreciated Thomas’ return ability while sprinkling him in on offense.

Thomas suffered his second leg fracture in two seasons in practice this week. He doesn’t need surgery but isn’t going to be back this year. Tremon Smith will take over as Kansas City’s kick returner.

Thomas re-fractured his leg at Thursday’s practice. It’s the same injury that ended his 2017 season. Thomas doesn’t need surgery, but he’s headed for IR.

His “official” time was later announced at 4.50, which is going to sting a player whose game is so reliant on speed. Some NFL teams may struggle to pinpoint Thomas’ position in the pros because at 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds, he certainly will not be a feature runner. He’s like a slower version of Dri Archer.