All signs are pointing to return to action for Chiefs’ wide receiver/punt returner Dexter McCluster.
How do we know that?
First, the Chiefs released wide receiver Chad Hall, who was McCluster’s replacement on the roster. That’s a good sign that McCluster will be coming back.
Second, special teams coordinator Dave Toub spoke about the importance of having McCluster back, which kind of gives it away, doesn’t it? Here’s what Toub had to say, via Adam Teicher of ESPN.com:
"“Getting Dexter back is big,” special teams coordinator Dave Toub said. “He’s a threat, obviously, with the two touchdowns. He saves field position catching all of those short kicks. He catches the deep ones. Obviously, the threat that he’s going to catch it every time, that creates a lot of pressure on the punt team as well.”"
McCluster missed action in Week 15 against Oakland, because a cut on his ankle—something that happened in the Washington game—became infected. He went through practice last week as normal, but the cut swelled up on Wednesday per Teicher, and that forced McCluster out of action.
He’s a big part of what the Chiefs do offensively, but McCluster’s biggest impact for Kansas City comes on special teams. It will be good for the team to get him back, especially with the playoffs approaching.
McCluster is a stellar punt returner who can take one to the house on any given return. He also does a great job of picking up positive yards.