Another Sunday, another Kansas City Chiefs win. The Chiefs improved to 6-1 in Week 7 which puts them top of the AFC West (by three whole games) while they defended their best record in the AFC. Next week they draw the Broncos, with key matchups against the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles coming up at home. They host the Buffalo Bills in early December as well.
Here's the latest buzz on the Chiefs after their Week 7 win.
Mecole Hardman's usage should only go up
Mecole Hardman wasn't a mainstay in the Chiefs offense in their Week 7 win, but he also wasn't a non-factor. He wrapped up one reception on three targets for six yards, also returning a punt for 50 yards. Hardman was on the field for 16 percent of the offensive snaps on Sunday after joining the team Thursday. He was acquired in a trade with the New York Jets.
Hardman, of course, had some existing familiarity with the Chiefs system and playbook since he played with the Chiefs from 2019-2022 before switching jerseys for the first time this offseason. That earned him some instant targets, and as he gets up to snuff on the 2023 version of the playbook, his workload should only increase.
Andy Reid said as much in his postgame press conference.
"Welcome back, Mecole. We only got him here on Thursday. We'll keep adding stuff to his menu there."
No shock there. Now with a full week of practice, Hardman can get in a full cycle with the team before their road game against the Denver Broncos next Sunday.
Hardman, after the game, emphatically let it be known that he's thrilled to be back and happy about the organization welcoming him back with open arms after the trade.
So far, Travis Kelce is the only Chiefs player with over 500 yards receiving. Trailing him is Rashee Rice with 305, Justin Watson with 219, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling with 200. Hardman certainly adds dynamism and another weapon for Mahomes to use. Whether he can emerge as the WR1 or just provide depth for the existing committee, we'll have to wait and find out. Either role probably works, but a lead receiving role is clearly available for any of the receivers that can jump out and grab it.
Nick Bolton dislocated wrist
Linebacker Nick Bolton has been subject to miserable injury luck in his third career year with the Chiefs. After missing two games due to an ankle injury to start the year, Boilton may miss time again after he dislocated his wrist on Sunday afternoon making a tackle.
David Chao, MD who spent nearly two decades as a head doctor for the Chargers spoke on the injury on Sunday, writing on his website that the timetable to return will depend on how many ligaments are torn. The first line is to repair at the stadium, but Chao suggests surgery is a possibility depending on severity.
Reid, speaking on the injury after the game, said he was being worked on in the locker room. His relaying of the information was deadpan but did not indicate the problem was overly serious.
Though he's appeared in just four games, Bolton has nabbed an interception to go along with 28 tackles (15 solo). He's one of Kansas City's best defensive players, so the team is certainly hoping for as minimal damage as possible with the wrist to get him back on the field as quickly as possible.
The Chiefs have games in Weeks 8 and 9 before a bye in Week 10.
Chiefs still on the hunt for receiver help?
In a deep dive and emptying of the notebook late last week, ESPN's NFL insider Jeremy Fowler listed off several teams who have been on the phones looking for receivers in the trade market. Included in that list was the Chiefs (subscription required), with Fowler making no specific disclaimer regarding Kansas City bowing out of the discussions now that they've traded for Hardman.
Certainly, it would be wise for the Chiefs to continue scouring the market since no receiver has yet to emerge as a clear No. 1 for Kansas City. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has proven to be capable even in a committee-like approach, but a go-to star receiver certainly couldn't hurt.
Yet, looking at the market, there aren't clear upgrades available that have been reported. Hunter Renfrow and Jerry Jeudy are available, but it's tough to see either the Raiders or Broncos trading in-division. Hollywood Brown might be the best wishlist receiver of struggling teams, but the Cardinals aren't giving him up.
So, for now, I'm trusting that the Chiefs involvement in the trade market is just due dilligence. Now that Hardman is in tow, Mahomes has a steady group of reliable receivers. After Watson returns from injury, he'll have a nice collection between Rice, Hardman, Watson, MVS, and of course, Travis Kelce to look to in the passing game.
