The 2010 Kansas City Chiefs have played 13 games and we're starting to figure out the role of the rookies on the team. Eric Berry will be the starting safety for years to come. Javier Arenas is a return man and will play nickelback. Tony Moeaki is the future at tight end. Jon Asamoah will fill in at guard one day. Even Kendrick Lewis is part of the mix at safety.
But what about Dexter McCluster?
He's listed as a receiver but the Chiefs give him the ball nearly as often at running back -- 17 receptions to 16 carries. Following the Jacksonville Jaguars game, there were indications that he was going to be worked into the offense more. as players said they wanted to get him more involved and he was coming off of a season-high nine touches -- five receptions and four carries.
Then he got hurt which kept him out for five games. He had two catches and a season-high five carries in his return against the Denver Broncos two weeks ago.
Last week against the San Diego Chargers? Zero touches.
It's been 13 games and I still can't say I understand McCluster's role on the team. Make no doubt about it -- I want the ball in this guy's hands. We saw a 59-yard end-around called back against the Broncos a few weeks ago so that's just a taste of what he can do.
I tend to think second round picks should be important pieces to the puzzle. Sometimes it appears McCluster's headed that way then other times it seems as if the Chiefs forgot him in the game plan.
It's been 13 games and I'm still not quite sure what we have in Dexter McCluster.