In Protocol After Hard Hit for the Kansas City Chiefs

In the high-speed, physical world of NFL football, hard hits are inevitable—but when they lead to a player entering health and safety protocol, the focus shifts from the game to player well-being. For the Kansas City Chiefs, that moment came in the third quarter of their Week 14 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, when wide receiver Kadarius Toney took a helmet-to-helmet hit while making a catch. In Protocol After Hard Hit for the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a update on Toney’s status; it’s a reminder of the NFL’s commitment to concussion prevention and the Chiefs’ careful approach to protecting their players. For Toney, a dynamic playmaker who has become a key part of Patrick Mahomes’ passing attack, the protocol entry is a temporary pause—but for the Chiefs, it’s a test of their offensive depth as they push for a division title.

In Protocol After Hard Hit for the Kansas City Chiefs unfolded during a critical drive in the third quarter. With the Chiefs leading 21-17, Mahomes targeted Toney on a crossing route over the middle of the field. Toney made the 12-yard catch but was immediately hit by Raiders safety Tre’von Moehrig, whose helmet collided with Toney’s as he fell to the ground. Toney lay on the field for several minutes, holding his head, while Chiefs medical staff rushed to his side. He was helped to his feet and walked slowly to the sideline, where he underwent an initial evaluation for a possible concussion. After the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid confirmed that Toney had been entered into the NFL’s concussion protocol—a series of mandatory tests and observations designed to ensure a player is fully recovered before returning to play. “The safety of our players is always our top priority,” Reid said. “Kadarius took a tough hit, and we’re following the protocol to the letter. We’ll take it day by day with him.”

In Protocol After Hard Hit for the Kansas City Chiefs requires understanding the NFL’s concussion protocol, a multi-step process that can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete. The first step is the “sideline assessment,” where medical staff checks for signs of a concussion—like confusion, dizziness, or memory loss—using tests like the SCAT5 (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool). If a player shows symptoms, they are removed from the game and undergo further testing, including a neurological exam and imaging (if needed). Over the following days, the player must complete a “return-to-participation” progression: light aerobic exercise (like walking or cycling), then football-specific activities (like jogging, passing drills), and finally full-contact practice—all without experiencing symptoms. Only after clearing all steps and receiving approval from both the team’s medical staff and an independent neurological consultant can a player return to game action. For Toney, the timeline remains unclear, but the Chiefs have emphasized they won’t rush him back. “We won’t put Kadarius in a position to risk his health,” said Chiefs head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder. “He’ll return when he’s 100 percent—no exceptions.”

In Protocol After Hard Hit for the Kansas City Chiefs highlights Toney’s importance to the Chiefs’ offense, making his absence a significant adjustment for the team. Since joining the Chiefs in a 2022 trade with the New York Giants, Toney has emerged as a versatile weapon: he’s a quick slot receiver who excels at short routes and YAC (yards after catch), a reliable target in the red zone, and even a occasional rusher on trick plays. In 2025, he’s recorded 45 receptions for 523 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a game-winning 20-yard catch against the Denver Broncos in Week 10. His ability to create separation from defenders and turn short passes into big gains has made him one of Mahomes’ favorite targets, especially on third downs. The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense will now need to lean on other receivers to fill the gap: Tyreek Hill Jr. will likely see more snaps in the slot, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Justyn Ross will get additional targets on the outside. “We have good depth at wide receiver, but Kadarius brings something unique,” Mahomes said. “He’s a playmaker who can change the game in an instant. We’ll miss him, but we have guys who can step up.”

In Protocol After Hard Hit for the Kansas City Chiefs also underscores the Chiefs’ depth at wide receiver, a position they’ve invested in heavily in recent years. Hill, a six-time Pro Bowler, is one of the NFL’s fastest players and a consistent deep threat, while Valdes-Scantling has proven reliable on long routes. Ross, a former Clemson standout who spent his rookie season on injured reserve, has shown promise in limited action this year, with 18 receptions for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Chiefs also have practice squad receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette, who can be elevated to the active roster if needed. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has already hinted at adjustments to the game plan, including more two-tight end sets (featuring Travis Kelce and Noah Gray) and additional carries for running backs Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon to take pressure off the passing game. “We’re a versatile offense, and we’ll adapt,” Bieniemy said. “We have guys who can make plays, and we’ll find ways to move the ball without Kadarius. But we’re all rooting for him to get back soon.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ ability to adjust to injuries has been a hallmark of their success in recent years, and Toney’s absence will test that resilience once again.

In Protocol After Hard Hit for the Kansas City Chiefs is also a reminder of the broader conversation around player safety in the NFL, which has made significant changes to reduce head injuries over the past decade—from stricter helmet rules to penalties for helmet-to-helmet hits (like the 15-yard penalty called on Moehrig for his hit on Toney). While these changes have helped reduce the number of concussions, they haven’t eliminated them entirely, and the league continues to refine its protocols to protect players. For Toney, the protocol is a necessary step to ensure his long-term health—a priority that extends beyond football. “Kadarius is more than a player to us—he’s part of our family,” Reid said. “We care about him as a person, not just as an athlete. His health today will affect his life long after his playing career is over, and we’re committed to doing right by him.” For Chiefs fans, the news is disappointing, but it’s also a relief to know the team is prioritizing Toney’s well-being over short-term wins. In the end, In Protocol After Hard Hit for the Kansas City Chiefs is a story of player safety, team resilience, and the NFL’s ongoing commitment to protecting its athletes. And for Toney, it’s a temporary setback—one he’ll overcome with the support of his team, his fans, and the league’s best medical care.