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Kansas City Chiefs WR Byron Pringle has quietly put together an impressive season despite a lack of consistent playing time.
The third-year wide receiver has only 160 yards and one touchdown on the season, but before injuring his ankle in Week 11 against the Raiders his offensive snaps were trending up. He was starting to turn heads and there was a growing expectation that he could be a reliable option for the team. Not only in the passing game, but also as a kick returner after scoring a 103-yard touchdown earlier in the season.
Pringle hasn’t had the same number of snaps since returning from injury until his recent opportunity to start against the Chargers. He played a season-high 45 snaps against Los Angeles.
“When I went out and I was with the trainer staff I knew I was in good hands with Julie (Frymyer), Rick (Burkholder) and staff,” said Pringle. “I know when I got back, I was going to come back and give it my all from the time that I missed and just keep working hard. When I got an opportunity, take it one play at a time, no pressure on myself, just execute the plan.”
On Sunday against the Chargers, Pringle recorded four receptions for 52 yards and a touchdown. It might not seem like a lot, but he was one of the Chiefs’ most productive players of the day, helping keep drives alive and recording the longest reception of the day.
His performance against the Chargers should give the coaching staff confidence that his ankle is fully healthy and that he can handle a greater workload. The odds are still against him to get on the field considering the Chiefs having one of the deepest groups of wide receivers in the NFL, however, Pringle doesn’t find it difficult waiting for his time.
“It’s not difficult,” said Pringle. “You’re a professional, you come to work every day, you never know when your time will be called. You have to stay ready, mentally ready, and know your assignment when you are given the opportunity to be out there.”
Chiefs HC Andy Reid acknowledged that Pringle has really become a reliable weapon for the team and he’s impressed in his return from injury.
“I mean, he’s really done a nice job the whole way through,” Reid said. “He was banged up there for a little bit and ever since he’s been back, he’s really given us good snaps, and today was no different. He’s so physical when he catches and runs, he’s got a real knack for that. You see it on his return game too.”
At the same time, Reid wouldn’t commit to utilizing Pringle any differently than the team had before the playoffs.
“I’ll tell you, he’s done this before, so he’s a good football player and we’ll just see how it goes,” Reid said. “We try to work him in every place we can and give him opportunities, but he sure had a nice game yesterday…”
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