Kansas City Chiefs demote WR Dwayne Bowe

Adam Teicher, of The Kansas City Star, reports Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe worked with the second- and third-team offense during practice Monday, Aug. 10.

In his first training camp as an NFL head coach, it clearly appears Todd Haley is not playing favorites, as he made it sound following Monday’s practice that the move was in fact a demotion. “There’s no spot taken right now,” Haley said. “We’re going to do everything we can to find players that do it our way. Each day that may change but we’ll find guys that do it our way and do it the way we feel gives us the best chance to win, period.”

Bowe, who led all Chiefs wide receivers last season with 86 receptions and 1,022 yards, has averaged six touchdowns in his first two seasons as a pro but has struggled to hold onto the football at times. The coaching staff has asked Bowe to elevate his game this offseason, particularly to improve his concentration so that he does not drop as many passes in 2009. Apparently, Bowe has had trouble adjusting, as he, for at least the time being, would appear to be in Haley’s doghouse.

Hey Haley, think of the fantasy footballers!

Although the Chiefs have yet to play a preseason game, the move is at least somewhat concerning as the offense was short of playmakers to begin with, particularly with the departure of All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez in the offseason to the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs were counting on the 24-year-old to serve as the go-to receiver for new quarterback Matt Cassel this season. Wide receiver Terrance Copper, who has not posted more than 23 receptions in a single season (2006, with the New Orleans Saints) took Bowe’s place with the first-team offense during practice Monday.

As mentioned, it is too early to panic and drop Bowe too far down your draft lists. However, the situation must be closely monitored throughout the rest of training camp and the preseason. Bowe entered this season as a top-15 fantasy wide receiver and a player with significant upside.

This news may cause Bowe to slip in drafts, which means you may be able to grab him at a value. Haley’s actions may be a motivational ploy to help Bowe ramp things up. While it’s still logical to draft Bowe as a low-end No. 1 wideout, be sure to buttress your wideout corps in case Bowe continues to ride the pine throughout camp.

Bowe’s demotion, if it stands, would also knock some value from Cassel; the absence of his expected go-to target severely limits his potential.

Should Bowe remain a bench player – at this point, still unlikely – receivers Copper, Mark Bradley, Bobby Engram and Amani Toomer could all see a rise in their fantasy value, though none on that list are worthy draft options at this point.