The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the seventh practice of training camp – and the third-straight day in pads – on Sunday 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 Sunday's practice, and for reference, all previous practice reports are available below:
1. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy made a great catch in the end zone.
Worthy has seemingly made at least one noteworthy play during every practice in which he's taken the field, and Sunday's session was no exception. In fact, Worthy made perhaps the play of the day when he went up and hauled in a touchdown pass during 7-on-7 drills despite good coverage.
Another standout offensive play from Sunday's practice was courtesy of wide receiver Skyy Moore, who made an impressive, toe-tap catch in the back of the end zone during 11-on-11 drills. Veteran wide receiver Montrell Washington also made a significant play with a catch deep down the sideline during an 11-on-11 segment. Washington has put together a strong camp thus far.
2. The red zone was an area of emphasis on Sunday.
The Chiefs work on specific scenarios during every practice, and on Sunday, one of those points of emphasis was red zone efficiency.
"Red zone was a big part of today's practice, which we need," said Head Coach Andy Reid after practice. "You need to be sharp in these areas, and that's a big one right there. It was good work today."
A memorable moment from the period took place when quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed a "jump pass" to tight end Jared Wiley over the middle of the field. Second-year wide receiver Rashee Rice, who had a busy day with several catches, hauled in a touchdown grab during the period.
In addition to the red zone drills, the Chiefs also went through another "long drive" segment on Sunday that kept Mahomes and the first-team offense on the field for 12 straight 11-on-11 plays.
A bit later in the "long drive" period, wide receiver Justyn Ross contributed an impressive touchdown grab just inside the front pylon following a beautiful throw by quarterback Carson Wentz.
3. Safety Bryan Cook was one of the standout defensive players on Sunday.
Cook tallied an impressive defensive play on Sunday with a diving pass-breakup in the end zone during an 11-on-11 red zone period. He recorded another pass-breakup a bit earlier, too, when he successfully defended – and nearly picked – a deep pass during an 11-on-11 segment. It was a good showing by Cook, who appears to be healthy following a season-ending ankle injury suffered late last year.
Cornerback Kelvin Joseph was also busy on Sunday with pass-breakups on back-to-back plays during 7-on-7 drills. Joseph made the first play on a quick slant to the left before breaking up the next pass – a slant to the right – just a moment later.
Cornerback Keith Taylor made a noteworthy defensive play, too, when he broke up a pass deep down the sideline during an 11-on-11 period.
In terms of defensive linemen who stood out on Sunday, edge rusher Malik Herring notched a batted pass at the line of scrimmage on a quick pass to the flat during an 11-on-11 segment.
4. The Chiefs worked on the new kickoff rules alongside a crew of league officials.
The new kickoff rules this year represent one of the most significant changes in recent memory, and with that in mind, the Chiefs have been working on their strategy and execution of the new-look play throughout the offseason training program.
That preparation continued on Sunday in pads, and as an added bonus, the Chiefs worked on the play under the guidance of Referee John Hussey's crew. Hussey and his team of officials were at each of the Chiefs' last three practices as they prepare for the 2024 campaign, and on Sunday, both the team and the officials had a chance to work on the revamped kickoff.
"It's a big [change], and it's big for the officials, too," said Coach Reid. "It's good to listen to [the officials] and to hear what they're thinking [as they're] going through this, so it's been good for our players…It's good to get their feedback, and they're great with our guys. We had a meeting with them last night, and they did a nice job."
5. Here's a look at Sunday's injury report.
The Chiefs were without 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) on Sunday.
Regarding Johnson, who is returning from a torn ACL suffered during last year's training camp, Coach Reid provided a bit more of an update:
"Nazeeh tweaked his knee – the one that he had surgery on – but we should be OK there," Reid said. "It's a little bit more of the hamstring than the knee. I think he's going to be fine. You go through those things, but his leg is strong, and his knee is solid. He'll be fine."
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, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi and offensive guard Joe Thuney are still on the "Physically Unable to Perform," or "PUP," list and also didn't take the field on Sunday.
Next up, the Chiefs will take the field on Monday for the eighth practice of training camp. 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.
