A hamstring injury cost Chiefs rookie running back/returner De’Anthony Thomas his first four regular season games.
But Thomas is proving a quick study.
Thomas’ contributions on special teams and offense have helped the Chiefs to a 17-16 lead after three quarters in San Francisco.
In a five-play sequence early in the third quarter, Thomas first broke a 28-yard punt return, setting up the Chiefs at the San Francisco 42. Then, he capped the drive with a 17-yard TD on a swing pass. On the play, he lined up in the backfield, moved into the left flat, broke a tackle by 49ers safety Antoine Bethea and ran down the sideline for the score, giving the Chiefs a 17-13 lead.
Thomas’ playmaking ability is yet another good sign for a Kansas City offense that’s started to hit its stride in recent weeks. Thomas hinted at his promise with a punt return score in the preseason, but Sunday’s performance marks a big step up in class and competition for the rookie from Oregon.