Chiefs’ Kadarius Toney Says ‘He Isn’t Hurt’ On Instagram: ‘They Won’t Play Me’

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney went live on Instagram on the day of the AFC Championship game, saying that he wasn’t hurt and accusing the team of mismanaging his injury.

It was an expletive-laden rant that didn’t last long but included the receiver saying multiple times, “They won’t play me,” implying he was out for non-injury-related purposes.

Toney hasn’t played since Week 15, and most recently, was reportedly out because of a hip injury as well as the birth of his daughter.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked about Toney and his Instagram live on Monday, stating that he hadn’t seen the video but is hoping Toney can return to action soon.

“I actually haven’t seen it. I’ve heard people talk about it,” Reid said. “Obviously he’s been on the injury report, so that part is not made up by any means. But he’s been working through some things and he’ll be back out there.”

Toney caught 27 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown for the Chiefs in 13 regular season games this year. He was only the tenth most prolific receiver for Kansas City in 2023, highlighted by multiple dropped passes and a key offsides call against Buffalo in Week 14. Though it has been a down year for the 2021 first-round pick, Toney was very impactful in the Chiefs Super Bowl win last year, catching a touchdown pass and returning a punt for a record 65 yards.

Despite missing the past six games, Toney returned to practice later in the week for the Chiefs ahead of their Super Bowl matchup against the San Fransisco 49ers. Toney was taken off the injury report due to his hip on Wednesday and was taken off the practice report on Thursday. His status for the Super Bowl is still currently unknown as the 25-year-old returned to action after more than a month and a half absence from the field. Toney is currently in the last year of his four-year $13.7 million deal he signed with the Giants in 2021. The Chiefs can pick up his fifth-year option and bring him back next year for about $2.5 million if they continue to see him as a valuable piece to their offense.