The Kansas City Chiefs reached another checkpoint of the offseason training program this week as the back-to-back defending world champions began the first round of "OTA" practices at the team facility.
OTAs, or "Organized Team Activities," are the hallmark of "Phase Three" of the offseason training program. Teams are permitted to hold 10 of these practices, which differ from previous sessions in that they permit for 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 work in which the offense competes against the defense. Previously, during "Phase Two" – which spanned the last three weeks – only individual and positional drills were allowed.
It's important to point out that these aren't padded practices and no "live contact" is allowed, but in simple terms, this current phase of the offseason training program marks the closest thing to actual football since Super Bowl LVIII concluded.
"It's good to get these guys back together where, within these rules, you can work against each other offensively and defensively," said Head Coach Andy Reid. "It's obviously a non-contact camp, but at the same time, the guys can still get quite a bit of work done if they handle it the right way, and they're doing that. They're hustling like crazy, and there's a good tempo."
These practices, which are voluntary, are just a step in the long process that is the offseason training program, but while the pads aren't on yet, the plays and drills installed over the next several weeks will provide the groundwork for Kansas City's title-defense campaign.
"This is the foundation. It's [about] communication – player to coach and coach to player," said linebacker Nick Bolton. "[Things like] trust, footwork, keys, eyes, alignments and assignments – things that will help us get to our end goal. Those things are the foundation of what we're doing here, and we can build on that."
The Chiefs held three OTA practices this week and will continue with seven more over the next two weeks. As for what took place during Wednesday's practice, which was the first open to the media, here are a few notes on what stood out:
- Cornerback Keith Taylor tallied an interception on a deep ball down the sideline during 11-on-11 drills.
- Safety Trey Dean punched the football loose for a forced fumble during an 11-on-11 period.
- Wide receiver Montrell Washington had a strong day with multiple deep catches.
- Cornerback Kelvin Joseph hauled in an interception during 7-on-7 drills.
- Wide receiver Hollywood Brown made the play of the day with a one-handed touchdown grab during a 7-on-7 period. Brown hauled in the pass despite good coverage, too.
- Wide receiver Nikko Remigio tallied an impressive catch near the sideline and tip-toed both feet in-bounds.
- Rookie tight end Jared Wiley made a tremendous touchdown catch up the seam during a red zone 7-on-7 period. Wiley went up over the defender to make the play.
- Rookie safety Jaden Hicks recorded an athletic pass-breakup on a short crossing route during 7-on-7 drills. Hicks jumped the route and batted the ball away for an incompletion.
- Wide receiver Justyn Ross made a pair of acrobatic receptions during the practice, including an impressive catch near the goal line during a 7-on-7 period.
- Rookie cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace hauled in an interception on a jump ball during 7-on-7 drills.
- Tight end Irv Smith Jr. recorded a strong catch on a short pass during an 11-on-11 period.
The Kansas City Chiefs during the first week of Phase 3 of OTAs.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) arriving for practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) arriving for practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) arriving for practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton (32) arriving for practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Phillip Brooks (88) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe (40) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) and wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jared Wiley (12) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray (83) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Keaontay Ingram (30) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Hassan Hall (38) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Deneric Prince (34) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey (52) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith (65) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Lucas Niang (77) and tackle Ethan Driskell (75) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu (90) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (7) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs punter Ryan Rehkow (46) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs Assistant Running Backs Coach Porter Ellet at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs Assistant Special Teams Coach Andy Hill at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs middle linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Monday, May 20, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Truman Jones (57) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs long snapper James Winchester (41) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Mike Pennel (69) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tershawn Wharton (98) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Deon Bush (26) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Backs Coach Dave Merritt at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Miles Battle (45) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Trey Dean (42) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Ekow Boye-Doe (40) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jaden Hicks (21) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Neil Farrell (92) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Hassan Hall (38) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Hassan Hall (38) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Hassan Hall (38) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown (5) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore (24) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chris Oladokun (13) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Skyy Moore (24) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Nikko Remigio (81) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Louis Rees-Zammit (9) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz (11) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Nazeeh Johnson (13) at practice during Phase 3 of OTAs on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, MO.
