The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the fifth practice of training camp on Friday morning as the defending Super Bowl champions continued their preparation for the upcoming season.
Here's a quick rundown of what took place during Friday's practice, and for reference, all previous practice reports can be accessed below.
1. The Chiefs took the field in pads for the first time this summer.
Friday's practice was the first time that the Chiefs wore pads since Super Bowl LVII, marking a significant checkpoint for the players as Kansas City continues to gear up for the 2023 campaign.
"It was one of those days. We got better today. It was a [classic] Coach Reid training camp practice today, I'll tell you that," said linebacker Willie Gay. "Tomorrow won't be any easier, but like I told the guys, as long as we continue to get better, it will make the games even easier."
Every aspect of the offseason training program – from the first week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) back in May to the initial few days of training camp – were designed to prepare the roster for the onset of padded practices. Only so much can take place without the pads on, and while it was a hot one in St. Joseph on Friday, the players finally had an opportunity to put that preparation to the test.
"All in all, there was good work today. The guys challenged themselves," said Head Coach Andy Reid. "It was a little shorter today – it was an hour and 40 minute practice – but the guys worked. It was good to get them back in pads and working to challenge each other."
The next step for the players will be stacking those padded practices. The length of these practices will begin to gradually increase, too.
2. Safety Mike Edwards made an athletic interception during 11-on-11 drills.
Edwards – who signed with the Chiefs as a free agent during the offseason – made an athletic interception deep down the field during an 11-on-11 portion of practice on Friday. Edwards recognized the route, broke across the field and dove for football, successfully cutting off the intended receiver for the pick.
The 27-year-old Edwards was a ballhawk during his time in Tampa Bay, tallying seven interceptions (and three pick-sixes) over the last three seasons. Those skills were certainly on display during Friday's practice.
Another defensive standout on Friday was linebacker Willie Gay, who recorded a pass-breakup over the middle during 7-on-7 drills. Cornerback Nazeeh Johnson also made a noteworthy play during the session, recording a pass-breakup in 1-on-1 coverage down the sideline during an 11-on-11 period.
3. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling on a great throw deep downfield.
The Chiefs have started the first 11-on-11 period of seemingly each practice with at least one big play, and Friday's session was no different. On this particular play – which took place on one of the first snaps of practice – Patrick Mahomes rolled to his right before firing a rocket of a pass off his back foot. The throw then landed into the arms of Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who caught the pass in-stride deep down the field.
It was simply a great play and another example of the continued evolution between Mahomes and Valdes-Scantling, who are entering their second season together in 2023.
Another notable offensive play on Friday was made courtesy of wide receiver Kekoa Crawford, who made a sliding catch deep down the field during 7-on-7 drills. Crawford – who has flashed at times during this camp – caught up to the pass and successfully hauled in the reception.
Wide receiver Cornell Powell also made an impressive play, contorting his body while in the air to make a physical catch during 7-on-7 drills. Lastly, Mahomes made a memorable throw when he zipped a sidearm pass to wide receiver Justyn Ross over the middle during a 7-on-7 period.
4. Rookie cornerback Nic Jones tallied an impressive pass-breakup in 1-on-1 coverage.
Jones, who tallied an interception during Tuesday's practice, recorded another noteworthy play on Friday with a pass-breakup in 1-on-1 coverage down the sideline during an 11-on-11 period. It continued what has been a strong offseason training program for Jones, who joined the Chiefs as a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It was encouraging to see Jones maintain that positive momentum through the Chiefs' first padded practice of the summer.
Fellow rookie cornerback Kahlef Hailassie also made a significant play on Friday, tallying a diving pass-breakup during 7-on-7 drills.
5. Here's a look at Friday's injury report.
The players who did not participate in Friday's practice due to injury were wide receiver Kadarius Toney (knee), linebacker Isaiah Moore (knee) and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton (knee). Linebacker Nick Bolton, who was absent from Wednesday's practice due to an illness, returned on Friday.
Linebacker Drue Tranquill (strained neck), tight end Jody Fortson (shoulder) and defensive end Mike Danna (strained calf) left Friday's practice early.
Additionally, wide receiver Ty Scott – who signed with the Chiefs on Thursday following the retirement of wide receiver John Ross – practiced on Friday.
The Chiefs will take the field for the sixth practice of training camp on Saturday morning. For a look at the training camp schedule or for more information on how to reserve tickets, click here.
