S Justin Reid's strong leg led Chiefs to use him on kickoffs Sunday

With the Chiefs on their third kicker of the season, the team called on safety Justin Reid to pull double duty on Sunday night. Reid kicked off five times against the Chargers.

“Just his length of kickoffs,” coach Andy Reid explained, via Ed Easton of USA Today. “The ability to kick it into the end zone there consistently.”

Justin Reid kicked off five times, with one touchback, but most of his returns reached the end zone. Chargers returner Derius Davis averaged 26.5 yards on his four returns with a long of 37.

In 2022, Justin Reid made 1-of-2 extra points and had five touchbacks on seven kickoffs.

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said in training camp the Chiefs might use Justin Reid on kickoffs because of his ability to make a tackle if necessary.

“Yeah, that doesn’t hurt, for sure, but initially, it was the length,” Andy Reid said. “He’s got a strong leg, and we thought maybe he could put it back there in the end zone.”