'I can use him a little bit more now' — Return of Rashee Rice provides Chiefs ST coordinator Dave Toub a new weapon

While the Kansas City Chiefs were struggling on offense during the first few weeks of the season, wide receiver Tyquan Thornton stepped up in a huge way.

Thornton has been the team's only consistent deep threat, recording a catch of at least 30 yards in four games this season. He is averaging a whopping 20.9 yards per reception, and is tied with fellow WR Hollywood Brown for the most receiving touchdowns on the Chiefs with three.

With Rashee Rice set to return this week against the Las Vegas Raiders, Kansas City's WR corps is suddenly crowded. Rice will be featured prominently, and guys such as Brown, Xavier Worthy, and JuJu Smith-Schuster have also carved out important roles.

Dave Toub plans to increase Tyquan Thornton's role on special teams

Thornton should remain an occasional deep threat for the Chiefs offensively, but his snaps will likely decrease with Rice back in the fold. However, that means special teams coordinator Dave Toub can utilize him more on his unit. Not only can Thornton contribute as a return man, but also as a gunner.

"I can use him a little bit more now, which is great," Toub said of Thornton to the media on Thursday. "He's a threat as a kick returner and punt returner, also in kickoff coverage. He's got a lot of speed. There's a chance we could have seven wide receivers up, so five, six, and seven got to help you somewhere on special teams. Otherwise you're just wasting spots. That puts Thornton back into that spot."

Nikko Remigio has done a great job as a return specialist for K.C., but mixing in Thornton is a no-brainer as he is a threat to score anytime he has the ball. Thornton's speed will also be valuable at gunner with his ability to get down the field quickly. Regardless of what job role he's put in, Thornton has proved himself as a valuable weapon who can continue to be a game-changer for the Chiefs this season.