The Kansas City Chiefs’ second-year wide receiver Nikko Remigio has been a fan favorite during training camp and the preseason but has only rarely been able to showcase his talents in the regular season.
That’s about to change. After clinching the AFC’s top postseason seed, the Chiefs will be resting some of their starters in the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos this Sunday. It will be a perfect opportunity for reserve players like Remigio to get extended playing time.
“I’m excited about the game plan that we have going in,” Remigio told reporters after Friday’s practice. “I’m definitely going to get a little bit more opportunities out there this week — and I’m excited for the challenge.”
Remigio initially signed with the Chiefs in 2023 as an undrafted free agent out of Fresno State — but unfortunately, a wrist injury sidelined him for his entire rookie season. In his second year, he turned heads with standout performances throughout training camp and the preseason.
Signed to the Kansas City practice squad after the final roster cutdown, he was promoted to the 53-man roster on Dec. 7. Since then, Remigio has primarily served as a kick returner — but on Sunday, he’ll get a real chance to prove himself on offense.
“[Even though] I’m not really getting reps with the offense, I’ve got to approach each week like I’m preparing for a game,” Remigio explained. “It’s kind of like preparing for the test before you get to the test. Now that the test is here, I can truly say that I feel prepared.”
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has repeatedly praised Remigio — most recently on Friday.
“He got a couple [of offenisve] snaps in last week,” noted Reid. “He’s been doing the return stuff — [and he’s] doing a nice job with it. He’s reliable [and] he knows everything [for] all the positions. He’s quick, smart [and] fast.”
Remigio will have an advantage in this game because backup quarterback Carson Wentz will be starting in place of Patrick Mahomes. The two players have spent plenty of time developing a connection.
“Our chemistry has been developing since OTA’s,” Remigio said of Wentz. “I’ve gotten a lot of work with him since the spring, in camp and throughout the season on [the] scout team. Now that we’re out here running the offense, running the plays that we know on our timing, he’s slinging that thing.
“I’m excited for him to get this opportunity. I can’t believe that he’s a backup right now because [of] the way he throws the ball out there; he definitely should be a starter somewhere. I’m excited for him and this opportunity — and I’m going to help him out in every way that I can.”
