Arrowhead Pride
After Kansas City’s fourth training camp practice, the special teams coordinator highlighted who has stood out.
On Friday, Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub held his first training camp press conference. Outside the battle happening on the offensive line, the highest‑profile competition is at punter.
Before training camp, the Chiefs signed undrafted USC punter Eddie Czaplicki to compete with Matt Araiza. Czaplicki won the 2024 Ray Guy Award as the best punter in college football.
“As far as the punters go, it’s a good competition,” said Toub. “I think we have two NFL punters. I said that during the offseason. I still believe it. Matt has come in right now, and he’s probably got the edge over these first few days, but I expect — just because it was new for Eddie with all the fans and everything — I think Eddie will get better next week. But it’s a real competition — and obviously, we’re going to take it into the games and see who prevails on that thing.”
Kansas City’s first preseason game is August 9 against the Arizona Cardinals, a matchup that could decide the job. Toub noted the team’s good health has allowed him to keep two punters on the 90‑man roster as he evaluates.
The Chiefs have several different options for starting returners, and Toub weighed in on the crowded competition.
“Punt returner, I’m excited about Brashard [Smith],” said Toub. “He keeps getting better and better. [He] didn’t do it a lot in college, so this is new for him, but he’s really a good catcher.”
Smith recorded a 4.39 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine — but to Toub’s point, he only returned five punts in college. At the end of last season, Toub started Nikko Remigio over Mecole Hardman, and he continues to be impressed with his development.
“He doesn’t make any mistakes,” said Toub of Remigio. “He’ll catch every ball. He’s dependable.”
In early June, Toub called wide receiver Xavier Worthy the best punt returner nobody knows about.
“He’s working back there as well,” said Toub. “That’s going to be a big question: whether I can use him or not. Obviously, I’d love to have him back there, especially in certain situations, because he’s the guy that can really be dynamic with his top-end speed. But obviously, you know it’s all going to depend on what’s going on with Rashee [Rice].”
Kansas City anticipates a suspension ruling on Rice, which would make Worthy’s availability on offense even more critical.
At this time of year, Toub is always forthcoming about players who have impressed him. This year, it’s fifth-round linebacker Jeff Bassa.
“The whole linebacking crew is really good from top to bottom,” began Toub. “They’re our leaders on our special teams unit. But Bassa? He brings the combination of being real smart — and then his speed combo, that he’s able to...
