Jerick McKinnon's Incredible Recovery Probably Ended Kadarius Toney's Chiefs Career

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney wore out his welcome in New York with the Giants, causing the team to ship him to KC. Now, it looks like he's probably worn out that welcome, too. There was a chance he would play in the Super Bowl, but it looks like the team plans to have running back Jerick McKinnon active instead. 

McKinnon suffered a groin injury in Week 15 against the New England Patriots and seemed unlikely to play again this season. However, the Chiefs activated him ahead of the Super Bowl and early reports suggest they plan to put him back into the lineup. 

McKinnon profiles as a utility-type player who can make plays out of the backfield or as a receiver. The Chiefs love his speed, elusiveness and versatility, in addition to his veteran presence. 

Those are all traits that Toney possesses – when he's not being a jerk. But, with McKinnon back and roster space tight, the Chiefs appear set to be without Toney on Sunday night. 

Previously, the Chiefs listed Toney as out with an injury. Toney disputed that, saying he wasn't hurt. That makes it sound as if Kansas City tried to protect him by claiming injury, so people wouldn't know that they were really just benching him. 

Per his usual demeanor, though, Toney had to open his mouth and let everyone know the real reason. So, for the Super Bowl, the Chiefs aren't even going to pretend. He's a healthy scratch. 

Although Toney has one year remaining on his contract, the Chiefs can cut him without incurring any salary cap penalties. It would be a shock if they didn't exercise that option. 

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney looks on before an NFL International Series game against the Miami Dolphins at Deutsche Bank Park.

(Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports)

Thus, Toney's career in Kansas City appears at its end, with him sitting out the Super Bowl. 

In the Chiefs' victory against the Eagles in last year's Super Bowl, Toney made two of the biggest plays of the game. First, he caught a 5-yard touchdown that put the Chiefs within one point. 

Then, after the Eagles went three-and-out, Toney had the longest punt return in Super Bowl history, 65 yards. That set the Chiefs up for a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. 

Now, he'll watch the Super Bowl just like over 100 million other Americans. 

Talk about a fall from grace. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.