BLOG: Chiefs resume training camp in St. Joseph as first preseason game nears
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KCTV) - It’s finally game week! The Chiefs take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday for their opening preseason game.
But first, training camp continues for the defending back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
Below are some notes and highlights from reporters at training camp:
On Monday, wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Justin Watson both took the practice field in full pads and helmets after sustaining injuries earlier in camp.
On the defensive side, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson also returned from injury, as did Jaylen Watson in a more limited capacity wearing the yellow, non- jerseys. Fellow defensive back Justin Reid remains out with a nagging quad injury.
Former Mizzou star Nick Bolton missed another practice with an elbow injury, which pushed linebacker Jack Cochrane up the depth chart. Head Coach Andy Reid said Cochrane is a smart player who knows every position, a good commander of the defense and coaches feel secure with him out there.
Monday’s training camp practice did pack a punch of drama with a near-fight during team 11-on-11 drills. Wide Receiver Rashee Rice caught a Patrick Mahomes , then threw the ball at Jack Cochrane’s head, who took exception and shoved Rice back.
After the offense and defense got together, a visibly angry Drue Tranquill slammed his helmet on the ground, before Mahomes dragged him away from the crowd. In total, it didn’t last more than 30 seconds, before Rice then puked on the sideline.
There continues to be a degree of razzle-dazzle at camp, this time with a hook-and-ladder from Mahomes to Travis Kelce to Isiah Pacheco. However, it’s unclear if the trick-play was called, or if it’s just another classic Kelce adlib.
Jaylen Watson did get an interception off Mahomes on Monday, and promptly threw the ball into the stands in celebration. While at left guard, Mike Caliendo continues to earn first-team reps as Joe Thuney works to return from injury.
Jon Gruden visited Chiefs practice for a second straight day. His ties to the Show-Me State go back to 1988 when he was a ing game coordinator at Southeast Missouri State in 1988. Gruden ed the Green Bay Packers in 1992, the same year as Andy Reid, with the pair coaching three years together.
Reid served as the assistant offensive line and tight ends coach, with Gruden the wide receivers coach. Gruden would become a Super Bowl-winning head coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and eventually head coach of the rival Raiders from 2018-2021.
At Monday’s press conference, Andy Reid said they do not yet have a set plan for Saturday’s drive share between first, second and third team units. Reid also acknowledged that a large number of player cuts are on the horizon, with the first preseason game an important measuring stick.
Former Chiefs quarterback Trent Green was the latest former Chiefs star to visit training camp practice on Monday.
The defending Super Bowl Champions are back on the fields at Missouri Western on Tuesday and Wednesday, then off on Thursday and Friday. The final camp practice is scheduled for Thursday August 15.
Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is expected to meet the media Tuesday morning.
Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.
