Darwin Thompson, Byron Pringle Highlight Chiefs' Offense Against Chargers

With their normal offensive contributors resting ahead of the playoffs, the Kansas City Chiefs turned to Darwin Thompson and Byron Pringle to make big plays in Week 17.

In a contest that seemed to simulate a fourth preseason game, the Kansas City Chiefs turned to some familiar backups to come up with the big plays typically gained from leading receivers Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.

Running back Darwin Thompson and wide receiver Byron Pringle each had their moments in Sunday’s 38-21 Week 17 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

The pair recorded career-high performances that Chiefs quarterback Chad Henne complimented them for after the game.

“I think they were both confident out there," Henne said. "I mean, I didn’t think the stage was too big for them. They did a great job, they did what they were asked to do, and they made some plays. Darwin did a great job in the run game, the O-Line blocked well for him and did a good job in the screen game as well, and Byron came up with some big plays there, you know that tipped ball I thought he was going to get in and he was dancing around on the one play."

Thompson led the Chiefs in both receiving and rushing yards. He accumulated 45 rushing yards off 14 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown.

All aboard 🚂

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/kAZcU0DN4V

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 3, 2021

The second-year back also accumulated 65 receiving yards on seven receptions, one of them an eight-yard touchdown. Additionally, Thompson recorded 88 yards after the catch and did not drop a single target.

Darwin's second TD of the day!

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/LE7QhwBnC1

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 3, 2021

Thompson had not logged a rushing attempt since Week 8 when running back Le’Veon Bell made his debut with the Chiefs against the New York Jets.

"Darwin, I’m happy for him because he hasn’t had much playing time since early in the season before we got Le’Veon [Bell] and all of the sudden now he gets to go in there," Reid said after the game. "He was so excited to have an opportunity to play. He got to show that he can catch the ball, he can run the ball and block and all the things that we ask a running back to do, so it was great for him.”

Pringle had 52 receiving yards and a touchdown off four catches. His receiving total was the second-highest of his career as recorded his first catch since Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

That's how you start a game!

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/FPjrOsyzLt

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 3, 2021

The former Kansas State Wildcat had previously gained 46 yards, 23 yards and 22 yards in three games during the absence of Sammy Watkins earlier this season.

“I mean, he’s really done a nice job the whole way through," Reid said. "He was banged up there for a little bit and ever since he’s been back, he’s really given us good snaps, and today was no different. He’s so physical when he catches and runs, he’s got a real knack for that. You see it on his return game too."

Thompson’s two scores were his first of the season as his receiving touchdown was the first of his career. Pringle's score was the second of his season. His first came on a kickoff return against the Denver Broncos in Week 7.

“It was just fun to see some of these guys go out and make some plays,” Henne said.