Former Ravens Wide Receiver Injured During Chiefs Training Camp, Raising Concerns About His Availability and Impact Ahead of the 2025 NFL Season

The Kansas City Chiefs have entered the 2025 NFL preseason with sky-high expectations following back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and one of the league’s most dominant offenses. But their preparations have taken a hit with news that wide receiver Deonte Thompson—formerly of the Baltimore Ravens—suffered a concerning injury during a recent training camp practice session.

Thompson, who signed with Kansas City in the offseason, had been viewed as a potential key contributor to the Chiefs’ receiving corps following the departure of veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The 26-year-old was making steady progress through offseason workouts and appeared to be earning trust from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the offensive staff. However, during a competitive red-zone drill earlier this week, Thompson went down grabbing his right hamstring after an explosive route attempt—an injury now officially labeled as a “grade two strain.”

A Costly Setback for a Promising Opportunity

Thompson’s injury couldn’t come at a worse time—not only for him personally but also for a Kansas City offense looking to solidify its pass-catching options beyond All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce. For Thompson, this summer represented a significant opportunity to revitalize his career after struggling to find consistent footing in Baltimore.

A former undrafted free agent out of the University of North Carolina, Thompson spent two seasons with the Ravens, primarily playing special teams and appearing in limited offensive snaps. While flashes of his deep-threat potential surfaced during preseason action and late-season garbage time, a deep and often-injured Ravens receiver room made it difficult for Thompson to find his role.

Kansas City, however, offered something the Ravens never quite did: offensive freedom and a clean slate. Head coach Andy Reid’s creative system is well-known for elevating receivers with speed and strong route-running. Thompson’s profile fit perfectly, and reports from training camp insiders suggested he was climbing the depth chart quickly.

Now, with this injury expected to sideline him for four to six weeks, his availability for the team’s Week 1 showdown with the Miami Dolphins in Germany is now in doubt. Even more troubling, Thompson’s absence opens the door for other young receivers—like rookie Keon Coleman or former Giants pass-catcher Richie James—to steal reps and momentum in his absence.

John Harbaugh Reacts to Former Player’s Injury

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who coached Thompson in Baltimore, was asked about the injury during his own team’s training camp media availability. Harbaugh didn’t hesitate to send a message of support:

“It’s tough to see a guy like Deonte go down, especially when you know how hard he’s worked. He’s got the talent, no doubt, and he was really starting to show it in KC. I just hope he takes the time to heal and comes back stronger. He’s got what it takes to stick in this league.”

Harbaugh also added that while Thompson’s time in Baltimore was brief, his work ethic and demeanor left a lasting impression in the locker room:

“He was a true pro. Didn’t say much, just worked. Every coach loves having a guy like that.”

Inside Kansas City’s WR Room Without Thompson

With Thompson now expected to miss the remainder of training camp and likely the preseason, Chiefs wide receivers coach Joe Bleymaier faces the task of reshuffling his receiver depth. Kansas City’s top WR option remains Rashee Rice—pending the outcome of his legal situation stemming from a reckless driving incident—but beyond him, the group is in flux.

Veteran Justin Watson, second-year man Skyy Moore, and rookie Keon Coleman will all see increased targets over the next few weeks. Richie James, who was initially on the bubble, is now projected to make the 53-man roster and could even start the season as WR3 if Thompson is placed on injured reserve.

Bleymaier acknowledged the setback in a post-practice media session:

“We were all excited about what Deonte was bringing to the table—his speed, his feel for timing, his chemistry with Pat. It’s unfortunate, but injuries are part of this game. The next man has to step up.”

Mahomes’ Comments Reveal Frustration—And Support

Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes also shared his thoughts about Thompson’s injury and what it means for the offense:

“It sucks, man. DT was ballin’—straight up. He’s fast, smart, runs sharp routes. We were starting to build something, so yeah, it hurts. But I told him, ‘Get right. We’ll be here when you’re back.’ He knows what it takes.”

Mahomes’ trust in Thompson was apparent, and the two had connected on several deep touchdowns during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 scrimmages over the last two weeks. While the injury alters their immediate chemistry-building timeline, Thompson could still return in time for Week 3 or 4 of the regular season if all goes well.

What the Injury Means for Thompson’s Career Trajectory

This injury marks another frustrating chapter for a player whose path to NFL stardom has been marked by grit and patience. For Thompson, this preseason was set to be his breakthrough moment—an opportunity to move from training camp invitee to key rotational player on a Super Bowl contender.

Instead, he now faces recovery, rehab, and the mental battle that comes with trying to earn back ground lost to injury. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that the Chiefs medical staff is among the best in the league, and Kansas City has a track record of giving players second chances once healthy.

Still, the margin for error is razor-thin for fringe roster players. Kansas City has already made calls to bring in veteran wideout help, including rumored interest in free agents Jarvis Landry and Breshad Perriman.

If Thompson can’t recover quickly, he may find himself on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season—or even worse, waived with an injury settlement.

For Chiefs fans and Deonte Thompson alike, this injury is a brutal reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the NFL. In one moment, you’re catching touchdowns from Patrick Mahomes and climbing the roster; in the next, you’re sidelined and watching your opportunity shrink.

But Thompson isn’t out of the fight yet. With a strong rehab process and the support of Mahomes, Reid, and the Chiefs locker room, he can still write the comeback story that so many undrafted players dream about.

For now, all eyes turn to the next man up—but Deonte Thompson’s journey with the Chiefs may not be over just yet. If and when he returns, don’t be surprised if he reminds the NFL exactly why Kansas City took a chance on him in the first place.