Tag: Dave Toub

Chiefs Dave Toub reveals injury recovery timeline for Harrison Butker: ‘He just started kicking’

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub reveals injury recovery timeline for Harrison Butker: ‘He just started kicking’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub spoke with reporters on Thursday about kicker Harrison Butker’s injury recovery progress.

“He looked good. We got to see how he responds. He’s going to kick again today.” said Toub. And put a little bit more on him. And I think he looks pretty good. We’ll see.”

The Chiefs have managed well without Butker, utilizing Spencer Shrader and Matthew Wright in his place. The latter won AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his efforts against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“If Harrison (Butker) is back, he’s back; I think he’ll get better as we keep him kicking more. He just started kicking again, as he’s starting to feel better, starting to get his power back, and it’s going to be a little bit before we, you know, he’s a hundred percent,” said Toub. “I’d say maybe two or three weeks, hitting the ground running time for playoffs. So, we got him back on that horse and back out there and going again. I mean, he had surgery on his knee. So we have to remember that and manage him.”

Butker had successful knee surgery last month and is returning to playing shape for the postseason. The Chiefs hope he will bring the consistency and strong leg that have helped them capture three Super Bowl titles.

Chiefs’ special teams unit adjusts to their third kicker this season: ‘It’s an adventure’

Kansas City #Chiefs’ special teams unit adjusts to their third kicker this season: ‘It’s an adventure’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ injuries continue to pile up in 2024, with another week of scrambling to replace another injured kicker. Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub explained the challenge of adjusting to new kickers during a press conference earlier in the week.

“It’s been – it’s an adventure, really. I mean, a lot of credit goes to our long snapper (James Winchester) and our holder, Matt Araiza,” said Toub. “Getting those guys and spending the time and figuring them out exactly how he wants – how the kicker wants the holds because it’s different for each kicker. He’s done a really good job with that. It says a lot about them and their professionalism.”

On Black Friday, Wright stepped in for Spencer Shrader against the Las Vegas Raiders. Shrader had recently been placed on injured reserve alongside Butker. He connected on four of five field goal attempts, with the only miss being well over 50 yards. The adjustments on special teams to accommodate were challenging, especially for inexperienced holder Matt Ariaza.

“He’s (Matt Araiza) a quick learner,” said Toub. “(Harrison) Butker really trained him well and he’s able to take these guys and just adjust. He’s just a good football player – and a good tackler too (laughter).”

After playing two games with them in the 2022 season, Wright played his first game back with the Chiefs in Week 13. He tied a single-game career-high with four made field goals.

Chiefs Dave Toub discusses Matt Araiza’s physicality: ‘He doesn’t have to make a tackle’

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub discusses Matt Araiza’s physicality: ‘He doesn’t have to make a tackle’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have had plenty of unsung heroes this season, including standouts on special teams. Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub spoke to the media on Thursday about the physical tackles from his punter Matt Araiza during last Friday’s game.

“We talked about this before,” said Toub. “I don’t want him down there making tackles. I’d rather have him make a big play with his leg and punt the ball high enough to where he doesn’t have to make a tackle.”

Araiza has been one of the better punters in the league in his first season with the Chiefs. The six-foot-one, 200-pound San Diego, California native isn’t afraid to make a play, collecting impressive tackles in Week 13.

“He’s a football player in his mind, and he’s going to get down there and do what he has to do. If he needs to make the tackle, he will. I mean, we know that.” said Toub. “So, I don’t want to take that edge away from him. But you know, at the same time, we got to be smart about it, too.”

According to a recent X post from teammate Drue Tranquill, the former Ray Guy Award winner could play linebacker.

Chiefs Dave Toub shares his reason for signing rookie K Spencer Shrader: ‘He was our number one guy’

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Toub shares his reason for signing rookie kicker Spencer Shrader: ‘He was our number one guy’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs were in scramble mode last week ahead of their Week 11 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Harrison Butker’s injury and immediate placement on injured reserve led to the signing of rookie Spencer Shrader, as special teams coordinator Dave Toub explained the decision to reporters on Thursday.

“Every year, we rate all the kickers coming out. A lot like (Harrison) Butker, he (Spencer Shrader) was our number one guy coming out; we had him number one on our list,” said Toub. “He was a guy obviously we targeted, we looked at, and we liked him early, and then he was on the practice squad, so we took a shot and got him. We’re happy we got him. He’s got a strong leg. We haven’t seen a lot of him but in practice, he’s looked really good.”

Shrader is on his third team since going undrafted in April. He filled in for the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets before being signed off their practice squad last week. He didn’t have a field goal attempt with the Chiefs in Week 11 but did connect on his extra-point attempts.

Chiefs Dave Toub says Leo Chenal almost blocked an extra point vs. Broncos: ‘Got his finger on it’

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub says Leo Chenal almost blocked an extra point vs. #Broncos: ‘Got his finger on it’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ thrilling victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 10 via a blocked field goal earned well-deserved praise for special teams coordinator Dave Toub. Toub discussed the well-designed play with reporters on Thursday for the first time since last Sunday and revealed that Leo Chenal almost had a blocked extra point earlier in the game.

“I mean, that’s what you do. You practice it. And our guys believe in what we’re doing. They always have great effort. So you always think that they got a chance to get it. And you know, it’s throughout the season you’ve seen, it’s been very close, whether it’s Justin off the edge or Leo. In fact, he got his finger on a ball in that game, his fingertip on a ball on the second extra point, and came into the huddle and told me that he got his finger on it. So we knew that there was a possibility. But, I mean, you’re always it’s; it’s such a long shot to get that, and we’re fortunate. The effort and everything was excellent, and the guys came through.”

The collective efforts of Justin Reid on the outside, Mike Danna, and the defensive line push led to Chenal’s game-winning block. Toub and his group will look for even more efficiency on the road against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday.

Chiefs Dave Toub receives praise for execution of game-winning field goal block

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams Dave Toub receives praise for execution of game-winning field goal block | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs pulled off an incredible victory last Sunday over the Denver Broncos due to a blocked potential game-winning field goal in regulation. Head coach Andy Reid spoke highly of the team’s play execution, led by special teams coordinator Dave Toub, during his weekly Zoom press conference on Monday.

“Yeah, I mean, the details of it become important. The players want that. They want you to detail it up for them.” said Reid. “It helps them even more to show what their talents are, and as a result, hopefully, you win a game or two. So Dave (Toub) spends a lot of time on that, right there. You guys watch all that. So you know there’s an emphasis on special teams and the details of it. So we needed it yesterday; that was a big play for us.”

Leo Chenal got his palm on the football as Will Lutz kicked it for the potential game-winner. The interior rush, mixed with pressure from Justin Reid on the outside, was flawlessly done, leading to a walk-off that went in Kansas City’s favor at Arrowhead Stadium. Chenal is the second player in the past 10 seasons to block a field goal on the final play to win, joining Payton Turner with the New Orleans Saints on September 11, 2022.

Chiefs Dave Toub sees potential in a recently elevated tight end: ‘A three-phase player for us’

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Toub sees potential in tight end Peyton Hendershot: ‘A three-phase player for us’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ special teams unit has played well this season, as players rotate often due to injury and needs in the offensive and defensive gameplans. Coordinator Dave Toub is proud of his group but acknowledged the work and potential of former practice squad tight end Peyton Hendershot.

“Yeah, he (Peyton Hendershot) was a good player in Dallas. I talked to (Cowboys Special Teams Coordinator John) Fassel down there, and he called me immediately as soon as we traded for him, and he said, ‘You got my guy.’ He does a good job.” said Toub. “He can run and does a good job; he’s real physical. He understands, has good instincts, and helped us in that game. He was able to step in on a short – you know, obviously, when he (Jared Wiley) got hurt – he got (called up)on short notice and was able to be a three-phase player for us in that game, so it helped.”

Hendershot made his season debut for the Chiefs in last Monday’s overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He will likely play prominently on special teams, but, as Toub said, he should see time on offense filling in for injured tight ends Jody Fortson and Jared Wiley. He had 15 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown during his career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Chiefs Dave Toub on former Pro Bowler’s impact as a punt returner: ‘A lot of trust in him’

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub on Mecole Hardman’s impact as a punt returner: ‘A lot of trust in him’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has relied on a familiar face as his primary punt returner this season. Mecole Hardman has solidified the position he excelled at as a rookie, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2019.

“The punt returner, I’ve said this a lot of times, the punt returner is – besides the quarterback – probably the hardest thing to do, in my opinion, on the football field. It’s hard,” said Toub during his press conference on Thursday. “You have guys coming down on you, you have to make a lot of quick decisions, you have to catch the ball (laughter), it’s tough. I have a lot of trust in him(Mecole Hardman); he has great experience, and he’s gotten better and better. He’s really taking it serious this year. I mean, because it’s a big part of his role right now is being that guy.”

Hardman had an impressive outing against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7, running back and punt return for 55 yards. He also contributed offensively with a catch for 17 yards and rushed for the game-clinching touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Chiefs Dave Toub reflects on blocking the 49ers PAT in Super Bowl LVIII

Kansas City #Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub reflects on blocking the San Francisco #49ers PAT in Super Bowl LVIII | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub addressed the media on Thursday, reflecting on the blocked PAT against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.

“(It was) just a normal week. Every week, we emphasize getting a good push inside and getting your hands up every time because you never know when it could be a low kick,” said Toub. “That happened to be just a little bit of a low kick, and we had our hands up, and Leo (Chenal) got his hand on it first, and then it deflected off of Mike Danna’s hand; huge play ended up in that game. We always talk about that now (laughter), ever since then. I mean, we talk about how important it is to get your hands up and get that good push.”

The fourth-quarter block was crucial, as the game eventually went into overtime, and the Chiefs were victorious. Whether or not Toub’s crew can muster up another block this Sunday, the play is still a pivotal moment that helped secure another Super Bowl title.

Chiefs Dave Toub discusses options after Mecole Hardman misses Friday’s practice

Kansas City #Chiefs Dave Toub discusses options after Mecole Hardman misses Friday’s practice | @EdEastonJr

The injuries are racking up on the offensive side of the ball for the Kansas City Chiefs, and it’s carrying over to the special teams unit.

Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub spoke with the media on Friday about the possibility of Mecole Hardman being unavailable for Monday night after missing practice due to a knee injury. He mentioned several names that could fill in this week as the kick and punt returner.

“We have a number of guys that can do it; obviously, Nikko (Remigio) can do it, (Montrell) Washington could do it. Any of those two guys could possibly pop up if Mecole (Hardman) was down,” said Toub, and then obviously, we have other guys, I mean, (Xavier) Worthy to be a punt returner, Skyy Moore, we have a lot of guys. We have a lot of options there. “

Remigio, named one of the first options on Toub’s list in case Hardman is unavailable on Monday, aligns with the praise he received during training camp. He is currently listed on the practice squad but could be in line for a call-up over the next few hours to fill the role.