Wide receiver Richie James is emerging as a top candidate to win the Kansas City Chiefs’ open kick returner role ahead of the 2023 season.
Video of his work with the special teams unit surfaced during the Chiefs’ Friday practice session at Missouri Western State University, where he made fielding and returning a Harrison Butker kickoff look easy. Kansas City Sports Network posted its view of the play in question to Twitter shortly after it transpired.
Richie James returning kickoffs pic.twitter.com/d6MEw9eiHt
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) July 28, 2023
James has experience as a returner after his time spent with the San Francisco 49ers and New York Giants earlier in his career. Kansas City had trouble finding consistency in the return game last season, and James’ emergence as a top option for the role is a welcome sign for special teams fanatics across Chiefs Kingdom.
However, if James manages to secure himself a significant snap share in Andy Reid’s high-octane offense, his utility as a returner may take a back seat to his duties as a pass-catcher.
