Jaguars cornerback/vast receiver Travis Hunter has been much-hyped for his standing as a two-way participant, first as a Heisman Trophy winner at Colorado and now within the NFL. However there's one other two-way participant within the NFL this season who hasn't obtained as a lot hype: Chiefs nostril sort out and fullback Khyiris Tonga.
Like Hunter, Tonga has began each recreation on protection this season. Like Hunter, Tonga has performed solely restricted offensive snaps this season. Tonga has two carries; Hunter has two catches. Each have picked up one first down.
Hunter performs a bit bit extra on offense, however not way more: Hunter has performed 6.8 % of the Jaguars' offensive snaps, whereas Tonga has performed 4.2 % of the Chiefs' offensive snaps.
The Jaguars have stated Hunter is able to being a full-time participant at each vast receiver and cornerback, whereas the Chiefs take into account Tonga solely a situational short-yardage fullback along with his duties as a starter on the line of defense. However so far as their utilization this season, each gamers are comparable.
Patriots coach Mike Vrabel, himself a former defensive participant who often lined up on offense as properly, began utilizing Tonga as a blocking fullback final season, when Tonga performed 14 snaps on offense in New England. This yr, Tonga signed a three-year, $21 million free agent contract with the Chiefs, and the Chiefs have elevated his function on offense, together with not simply blocking but additionally operating the ball.
Tonga stated on the l that it was a thrill the primary time he went into the offensive huddle with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and operating again Kenneth Walker.
"It was tremendous cool," Tonga stated. "Being within the offensive huddle is wonderful, particularly having the gamers we now have, to share the huddle with them. The one factor in my thoughts was, Don't mess it up. I simply went on the market to have enjoyable. It makes it simple blocking for a man like K9."
Tonga even ran a route on a fourth-and-goal landing go to Jalen Royals in Week 2, and Tonga stated he was ready to catch it if Mahomes threw to him however was a bit relieved when Mahomes regarded previous him and threw to Royals.
"I used to be simply ensuring I didn't drop it. Look it in if it got here to me. It went previous me, so it was OK," Tonga stated.
Might Tonga do the rest in Andy Reid's offense? He stated he'd even be up for throwing the ball on a trick play if that will get known as.
"Having a man like 15, I hope they don't make me throw the ball, but when we now have to I'm prepared," Tonga stated.
Tonga, who has additionally performed 19 snaps on particular groups this season, is prepared to do no matter he has to do to assist his group win.