Chiefs hold first padded training camp practice
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Charles Goldman
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The Chiefs held their first padded practice of training camp on Friday, marking the return of “real” football in St. Joseph, Missouri. It was an extremely hot day of practice, as the team issued an excessive heat warning to fans in attendance.
The clack of pads was heard throughout the day at Missouri Western State University, with perhaps the biggest hit of the day being served up by CB Lamar Jackson against WR Kekoa Crawford. Some offensive players on the sideline gave Jackson an earful after the big hit.
The play of the day came quickly with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes uncorking a 40-50 yard TD pass to WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the opening 11-on-11 session. Valdes-Scantling was working against S Mike Edwards in coverage. KCSN captured the play here.
WRs Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross continued to impress on Friday with each catching multiple passes. Both players continue to mix in with the first-team and second-team offenses. Ross, who has a substantial injury history, handled full contact well.
Overall, the offensive line vs. defensive line competition went exactly as you’d expect. The offensive interior won the day because the interior defensive line lacked the presence of DT Chris Jones. 1-on-1 drills had a good mix of wins and losses for each offensive line and defensive line. DE Mike Danna, DE Charles Omenihu and DE Joshua Kaindoh were among the standouts on the edge. Second-year OL Mike Caliendo continues to impress as the second-team center.
RT Jawaan Taylor, who struggled as a run-blocker in Jacksonville, seems to be benefiting from playing next to RG Trey Smith. They had some standout work in the run game on Friday.
RB Deneric Prince continued to impress during the team run period in 9-on-7 drills. Andy Reid specifically mentioned his vision after practice.
“(Deneric) Prince it’s just a matter of staying on top of everything,” Reid said. “It’s new to him, protections are always for the rookie running backs a thing you have to learn, but he’s such a hard worker, great hands, looked like he had great vision in the 9-on-7 run game.”
There was one scuffle during practice, including one between Chiefs TE Travis Kelce, CB Dicaprio Bootle and S Bryan Cook. Cook played off the incident after practice as Kelce simply showing them a little passion.
As far as injuries are concerned, LB Nick Bolton (illness) returned to practice. LB Isaiah Moore (knee) and WR Kadarius Toney (knee, meniscus surgery) remain out of practice. DT Tershawn Wharton (knee, ACL) remains on the active/PUP list and out of practice.
During practice, LB Drue Tranquill, TE Jody Fortson and DE Mike Danna each suffered injuries. Tranquill suffered a neck strain and Fortson suffered a shoulder injury. Both players were carted up the hill. Danna suffered a strained calf, which is potentially significant given that he missed four games with a calf injury a season ago.
2023 Chiefs Training Camp: Who's Standing Out Early?
KCSN’s Craig Stout and Matt Lane break down what we've seen so far from Kansas City Chiefs training camp and discuss some of the early standouts from practice.
Quick Hits:
- We’ve got highlights from the first four days of training camp here.
- Fox Sports went in-depth about Patrick Mahomes’ ability to recall the smallest of details.
- The Athletic’s Nate Taylor broke down the impact of Kadarius Toney’s knee injury.
