Shannon Sharpe says Chiefs must not select 25-year-old for Super Bowl, Stephen A Smith disagrees

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The Kansas City Chiefs have come a long way in 2024, past the inconsistent and choppy regular season.

The play-offs have seen the Kansas City Chiefs raise their game, showing the hallmark of a truly great team.

A forgettable regular season is in the rear-view mirror, with the offense managing to click. So what has changed?

Well, playing games with stakes makes a difference. Both sides of the ball have raised their game. But there is a little more to it than that.

The offense in particular has been simplified, with fewer receivers on the field. One of those to drop out has been Kadarius Toney.

Where is Kadarius Toney

Kadarius Toney has not figured in the play-offs at all, and there has been some discrepancy over the reason why.

The Chiefs indicated he was injured, a matter which Toney disputed during a live stream on social media.

Head coach Andy Reid was asked about this in the lead up to the Super Bowl, telling Fox Sports: “Obviously, he’s been on the injury report. That part, that’s not made up by any means.”

Reid indicated that Toney could make an appearance against the 49ers, commenting: “He’s been working through some things, and he’ll be back out there.”

Don’t pick Kadarius Toney, says Shannon Sharpe

Fairly or not, Kadarius Toney came to represent the Chiefs stagnant offense in the regular season. He was responsible for a number of drops, starting from week one. And then there was the game-costing offside against Buffalo, which he claimed he was unfairly called for.

Speaking to First Take, Shannon Sharpe says he would not risk upsetting the rejuvenated offense by selecting the 25-year-old wide receiver against the 49ers.

He said: “I’m not playing him, that’s just me. Patrick Mahomes has got used to playing without him.

“I’m going to be surprised if he’s wearing the uniform on Sunday.”

Disagreement over Kadarius Toney

Toney made a big impact in the Super Bowl win over the Eagles last year, and Chad Ochocinco says he should be on the field against the 49ers.

He said: “I’m playing him. I understand the drops and the offsides, I understand the offensive struggles they had with Kadarius Toney. But this is the biggest game of them all. I want all weapons on for Patrick Mahomes so he doesn’t have to be superman.

“Rashee Rice is playing well, Travis Kelce is playing well. What happens if you add an extra dynamic and have a Kadarius Toney with confidence.”

Stephen A Smith also disagrees with Shannon Sharpe, and says if it were up to him, Toney will take the field in the Super Bowl.

He said: “It’s the biggest game of the year, all hands on deck, you never know what emergency you might have that might require extra bodies.”