Chiefs HC Andy Reid impressed by Jerick McKinnon’s speed, receiving ability
The Kansas City Chiefs have a new face in the backfield and he’s making an impression on some of the most important people in the building.
A day after Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes lauded new RB Jerick McKinnon as a “playmaker” for the offense, HC Andy Reid weighed in on his newest weapon. After just a few months with the team, Reid had some positive things to say about McKinnon.
Reid’s offense has always been known for throwing the ball to their running backs often. Of course, McKinnon’s receiving ability is something that has caught his attention during training camp.
“He’s a talented receiver,” Reid told reporters on Saturday. “He’s been doing this for a long time, especially for running backs, longevity in this league, the average longevity is like three years. So, for him to have been in it and doing it this long, he brings great experience. But he sure has a knack for the pass game. He does a nice job with that.”
McKinnon, 29, spent four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before signing a four-year contract worth $30 million with the San Francisco 49ers. He suffered a torn ACL ahead of the 2018 NFL season and the injury ultimately cost him two seasons. In 2020, he didn’t seem to have the quickness that he had with the Vikings. A year later, he seems fully recovered from his knee injury. Reid even praised his brand of speed as “different.”
“His (speed) is (different), he’s quick,” Reid said. “He’s got that quickness and speed, and it’s a good change-up. We’ve got a variety of guys, and (Darwin) Thompson’s not out here yet, so you add him into the mix and now you’ve got another variety of running backs that you can present. But it’s great to have his experience here, yeah.”
It sure sounds like Reid is already planning to utilize the speed and quickness that McKinnon offers. If he continues to impress, McKinnon could certainly earn the role on the 53-man roster as a change-of-pace option to Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams.
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