Kansas City Chiefs: De'Anthony Thomas Has a Chance to Make a Big Rookie Splash

Although I highlighted reasons why Chiefs fans should feel comfortable with Knile Davis filling in for Jamaal Charles, Davis knows that running backs are not a one-man band in the NFL today. Offenses benefit from having multiple tailbacks contribute, as some have a sound one-two running back duo.

The Kansas City Chiefs came into the 2014 season with three scatbacks in Charles, Davis and rookie De’Anthony Thomas. Despite being drafted in the fourth round from Oregon, Thomas quickly became a fan favorite when they saw his breakaway speed from his college reel.

It didn’t take long for Thomas to repay the fans for their early support, either. Thomas captivated fans at Arrowhead Stadium in the team’s preseason opener with an electrifying 80-yard punt-return touchdown in his first snap in an exhibition game.

Thomas continued to handle special-teams duties in the preseason while getting just seven touches on offense. However, he’s yet to play a regular-season game in the NFL.

He’s been sidelined for the first two weeks due to a hamstring injury.

The good news: The wait could be over as Chiefs fans—and Thomas himself—can anticipate his NFL regular-season debut this week against the Miami Dolphins,  according to Sam McDowell of The Kansas City Star.

With his return looking probable, what can we expect from the former Oregon Duck?

College statistics mean very little when it comes to making an impact in the NFL. At the same time, it is hard for fans to manage their excitement when they look up Thomas’ numbers.

Check out his college statistics at Oregon from 2011 through 2013:

Rushing statistics

243 carries, 1,890 yards and 26 touchdowns

Receiving statistics

113 catches, 1,296 and 15 touchdowns

Punt-return statistics

16 punt returns, 274 yards and one touchdown

Kick-return statistics

73 kick returns, 1,885 yards and four touchdowns

Those statistics are pretty enticing.

With Charles likely to miss some time due to a high-ankle sprain, Davis will step in as the starter and handle the responsibilities Charles had. When the Chiefs take Davis out for a few plays, expect Thomas to get in to complement Davis on offense.

The Chiefs haven’t had much success on special teams since the departure of Dexter McCluster and could use Thomas in the return game.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid is likely to make Thomas the primary returner while also feeding him the ball a few times on offense.

Thomas has speed and skill sets similar to Charles and Davis, which could lift Kansas City offensively as he has the ability to do damage on opposing defenses.

Because of the fact Thomas is a fourth-round pick, lots of NFL fans are unaware of his existence, and he could turn into a surprise after he is given the opportunity to make plays on the field. Perhaps some Chiefs fans may see him as a secret weapon.

After not playing for two weeks, it only adds eagerness and anticipation for his return and debut. With the Chiefs off to an 0-2 start, fans would love to see if Thomas can come in and help make a difference to turn the team’s luck around.

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