The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the eighth practice of training camp on Monday morning as the back-to-back defending Super Bowl champions continued their preparation for the upcoming season.
Here's a quick rundown of what took place during Monday's practice, and for reference, all previous practice reports are available below:
1. It was Alumni Day at camp.
More than a dozen former players from various generations of Chiefs football were invited to attend camp on Monday to get an early look at the current iteration of the team. Following practice, in what has become an annual tradition, the alumni then came down to the field and broke down the huddle with the current players.
It was a special day that once again demonstrated the Chiefs' culture as an organization.
"We love it. To see these guys come back – these legends – it's special. It shows us that they care," said cornerback Trent McDuffie. "Just being able to see these guys out here healthy and smiling is meaningful, and it's something I'm really grateful for."
2. The players took part in a lighter, "10-10-10" practice.
The Chiefs competed in a lighter, "10-10-10" practice on Monday following the three-straight padded practices that took place over the weekend.
A "10-10-10" session, which is not padded, consists of what is essentially a circuit of 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays and 10 special teams plays. Each segment is of the 11-on-11 variety, but unlike a standard period, the idea is to demonstrate what success looks like for the three respective phases. During the "offensive period," for example," the first-team offense competes against the second or third-team defense in an effort to skew the results toward the offense.
The opposing unit is still encouraged to make plays, but if the concept plays out properly, each segment of the team will experience what success looks like within the given scheme.
"It's more mental than anything," said Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. "We went three-straight days with pads, and I think [Head] Coach [Andy] Reid would tell you the same thing, [these practices] are a good way to get a lot of work done [while] taking a little bit of the physicality [out of it]. It was about time with our guys, and now they'll have the day off [on Tuesday], so I think it works out pretty well."
The Chiefs completed nearly three full circuits of the "10-10-10" format on Monday with three offensive periods, three defensive periods and two special teams segments.
As for the defensive periods, a standout from the day was Trent McDuffie, who recorded an impressive pass-breakup on a quick slant over the middle. Cornerback Kelvin Joseph also made a noteworthy play with a pass-breakup on a comeback route.
3. The offense showed off a quadruple pass trick play.
The "10-10-10" format inherently provides the offense with a chance to have some fun, and they didn't waste their opportunity on Monday. In fact, on just the second snap of the first offensive period, quarterback Patrick Mahomes pitched the ball to wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who then lateralled it back to Mahomes across the field. Mahomes proceeded to fire it right back to Toney, who then threw it deep downfield into the arms of wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
It was an awesome play that elicited a well-deserved roar from the fans in attendance.
During the second offensive period, the Chiefs clearly emphasized their ability to stretch the defense from behind the line of scrimmage. Wide receivers Rashee Rice, Mecole Hardman, Xavier Worthy and Kadarius Toney each touched the football during the segment.
Worthy later put an exclamation point on the day with a catch deep down the field during the final offensive period.
4. The special teams unit worked on kickoff coverage and punt protection.
The Chiefs have worked on some element of the new kickoff rule nearly every day during camp, and on Monday, the emphasis was on kickoff coverage. It's often a rather thankless aspect of the Chiefs' special teams efforts, but during Monday's practice, rookie cornerback D.J. Miller found the end zone when he intercepted a lateral toss from the return man, who was attempting to toss the ball over Miller and into the arms of his offensive teammate. Miller snagged the ball out of the air, however, and trotted into the end zone for a would-be touchdown.
Kansas City worked on punt protection during the second special teams period as punter Matt Araiza practiced taking snaps from the 20-yard line in the face of pressure.
5. Here's a look at Monday's injury report.
The news of the morning on Monday was the return of All-Pro offensive guard Joe Thuney, who re-joined the active roster from the "PUP," or "Physically Unable to Perform," list. The news marked a major milestone for Thuney, who suffered a pectoral injury during the Divisional Round of last year's postseason.
The players on the active roster who were absent from Monday's practice were wide receiver Justin Watson (foot), cornerback Nazeeh Johnson (knee/hamstring), wide receiver Hollywood Brown (sick), running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sick) and defensive tackle Chris Jones (groin).
As for the players who have yet to practice in St. Joseph, safety Justin Reid (quad) and defensive end BJ Thompson (who suffered a medical emergency last month) remain on the "Non-Football Injury/Illness" list.
Cornerback Jaylen Watson, defensive end Charles Omenihu and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi are still on the "PUP" list and also didn't take the field on Monday.
Next up, the Chiefs will have a day off from practice on Tuesday before returning to the field on Wednesday. The practice will be open to the general public, but even though most days are free to attend, tickets must be reserved online ahead of time.
For a look at the training camp schedule or for more information on how to reserve tickets, click here.
