Richie

James Jr.

James filled in as KC’s primary slot receiver with the team’s starters resting ahead of the postseason. It was only James’ second game of the season with more than one reception. He won’t be a factor in the postseason, barring wideout injuries for the Chiefs.

James already saw his role improve in Week 16. He was targeted three times and caught all three looks for a total of 54 yards. Rice has been a full-time player for a few weeks, so we don’t expect much to change with him. Ross missed time in the middle of the season while on the exempt list but is now back with the team. He caught his only target for two yards in Week 16 but should see more work going forward. With the Chiefs’ offense in shambles relative to their sky-high expectations, they appear willing to do anything to find a winning combination of pass-catchers as the playoffs approach.

James stepped into a more prominent role with Kadarius Toney out and Skyy Moore on injured reserve. He finished fifth on the team in targets but got to second in receiving yards on the back of a 45-yard grab. James still played a rotational role but did offer a spark on offense for a team that desperately needs a second receiver to step up. He is not on the fantasy radar for Week 17, but his usage is worth monitoring for fantasy playoff leagues.

James is currently on injured reserve but got in a week of full practices as the Chiefs prepare to take on the Eagles in a clash of the top seeds from each conference. He has been on injured reserve since Week 3 after playing in just over one game for the Chiefs this season. All other Chiefs players are off the injury report for Week 11.

Toney did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, but may have logged a limited session on Friday based on what we’ve seen online. The oft-injured receiver is once again dealing with another ailment that threatens to sideline him for Week 3, and is truly questionable heading into the weekend. If he’s unable to go, Skyy Moore could be in line for more targets with Richie James (knee) also being ruled out.

James has just one catch on the season, but has served as the Chiefs’ primary return man. With two-straight missed practices to open the week, it’s possible will need to replace James in the return game, and Kadarius Toney (toe) in the receiving game, as both are dealing with injuries. Skyy Moore or Justin Watson could be in line to fill in as return men, while Moore may see an uptick in the passing game if both receivers miss Week 3.

James is listed as the team’s second slot receiver behind Skyy Moore, so his Week 1 status carries little concern as far as fantasy goes. His availability could impact the Chiefs’ return game, as he’s listed as the team’s kick and punt returner, but a limited designation is a good sign for his overall availability. Unless we hear otherwise, it sounds like James will be available for Thursday night’s matchup against the Lions.

Rice saw limited time with the first-team offense but did most of his damage with the second team. He and quarterback Shane Buechele connected on multiple passes in the first half, with the longest reception coming on a 38-yard play that included several yards after the catch. Rice has had a solid training camp but could face an uphill battle for snaps early in the season. The rookie second-rounder also caught three passes for 30 yards in last week’s matchup against the Saints and has a solid 11-126-0 line through two games.

Schefter notes that Toney “underwent an off-season cleanup procedure on his knee” but re-aggravated his knee on Sunday while fielding punts with the team. The oft-injured receiver will miss a portion of training camp as he looks to rebound from this early setback but is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Toney’s ADP is likely to fall in light of this recent news, providing his truthers a lengthy buying opportunity in drafts.

Moore caught 22 passes for 250 yards as a rookie but has made a “good jump” this offseason, according to head coach Andy Reid. Free agent signee Richie James is expected to challenge Moore for slot work in camp, but we’d expect the Chiefs to give their former second-round pick every opportunity to earn a significant role in camp. Moore is virtually free in fantasy drafts right now but could see a significant jump in ADP with some positive training camp reports.