The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the seventh practice of training camp on Sunday morning as the 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 can be accessed below.
1. The Chiefs hit the field for a third straight padded practice on Sunday.
We're in the midst of the "dog days" of camp, as the Chiefs took the field for a third consecutive padded practice on Sunday. This was also the longest practice of camp thus far, clocking in at two hours and 25 minutes.
"Good work today. [This was] our longest practice," said Head Coach Andy Reid. "The guys pounded through it. They did a nice job of competing and finishing strong."
This time of year is all about gradually easing the roster back into full-blown football activities, as each of the last three practices – which represented the Chiefs' first padded work since Super Bowl LVII – progressively increased in length.
Coach Reid is known for running tough training camps, but there is a detailed method behind the grind. The results don't lie, either. In fact, since 2013, Kansas City owns the most September victories of any team in the NFL with 25.
Simply put, Coach Reid's training camps get his teams ready to go.
2. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes made a number of memorable throws.
Mahomes treated the fans in attendance to a show on Sunday, connecting on multiple throws from a variety of arm angles. One highlight was during a 7-on-7 drill when Mahomes – who was rolling to his right – contorted his body while on the run to fire a pass back toward the middle of the field and into the arms of wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a touchdown. It was an exceptionally difficult throw that Mahomes made look easy.
The reigning NFL and Super Bowl MVP later added another signature throw, zipping a sidearm touchdown pass to wide receiver Richie James during a 7-on-7 period. It was part of a solid day for James, who also hauled in a touchdown reception in the corner of the end zone during 11-on-11 drills.
Another offensive standout on Sunday was wide receiver Justyn Ross, who made a physical touchdown grab in the back of the end zone during an 11-on-11 period before making a great catch deep down the sideline during 7-on-7 drills a bit later.
Lastly, rookie tailback Deneric Prince continued to impress with a touchdown reception on a fade route in the corner of the end zone during 11-on-11 drills. Prince has been one of the early standouts of training camp.
"He's working in there and doing some good things," said Reid when asked about Prince. "We want to try and get him as many reps as we can for [pass] protection purposes. He's getting looks at everything. He's doing a nice job and working hard."
3. Safety Justin Reid tallied a pass-breakup during a red zone 11-on-11 period.
Reid made a memorable defensive play on Sunday with an athletic pass-breakup during an 11-on-11 period of practice. Reid stuck with the intended receiver on the route, which was a shallow crosser shy of the goal line, and made a diving swat to knock the ball away.
Cornerback Joshua Williams recorded a noteworthy pass-breakup as well, successfully defending a pass toward the end zone in 1-on-1 coverage during 7-on-7 drills. Fellow second-year cornerback Trent McDuffie also tallied a significant play, hauling in an interception off a deflection during an early 11-on-11 period. It was a heads-up play by McDuffie, who continued his strong camp.
4. The running backs, tight ends and linebackers challenged each other on Sunday.
Aside from the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills that took place on Sunday, one specific segment of practice challenged the Chiefs' running backs, tight ends and linebackers in two different ways.
First, the running backs and tight ends each took turns blocking an incoming linebacker in an effort to test their skills in pass-protection. It was a tough drill for the running backs and tight ends because the linebackers were provided with a running start in order to simulate a blitz.
Conversely, the running backs and tight ends had the upper hand during the second part of the drill, which tasked each linebacker with covering in a 1-on-1 situation.
Both drills provided all three position groups with an opportunity to work on a specific – and critical – aspect of their responsibilities.
5. Here's a look at Sunday's injury report.
The players who did not participate in Sunday's practice due to injury or illness were defensive end Mike Danna (calf), tailback Clyde Edwards-Helaire (sick), tight end Jody Fortson (shoulder), wide receiver Kadarius Toney (knee), linebacker Isaiah Moore (knee), defensive back Nazeeh Johnson (knee) and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton (knee).
Coach Reid reported following Sunday's practice that Johnson tore his ACL on Saturday. Reid also stated that Moore, who missed the last four practices due to knee inflammation, will require surgery. Both players were placed on Injured Reserve, meaning that they cannot return during the 2023 season.
In some good news, cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (knee) and linebacker Drue Tranquill (neck) both returned to practice on Sunday after missing Saturday's session. Additionally, Reid mentioned that Toney – who injured his knee last Sunday – is "making progress."
The Chiefs will take the field for the eighth practice of training camp on Monday morning. For a look at the training camp schedule or for more information on how to reserve tickets, click here.
