The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the fourth practice of training camp on Wednesday morning as the defending Super Bowl champions continued their preparation for the upcoming season.
Here's a quick rundown of what took place during Wednesday's practice, and for reference, all previous practice reports can be accessed below.
1. This was the final "ramp up" practice before the first padded practice takes place on Friday.
The Chiefs practiced in "shells" – which are basically a lighter version of shoulder pads – for the second day in a row on Wednesday as part of the "ramp up" toward full-blown football activities. The players will now have an off day on Thursday before the first padded practice takes place on Friday.
Friday's practice will be significant due to the fact that it will mark the first time that the players will compete in a padded practice since last season concluded. With that in mind, this past week was all about gradually building up toward Friday's practice and the multiple padded practices that will follow.
"That's the beautiful part about camp – it builds mental toughness," said center Creed Humphrey. "It's something that you fight through on those days that you don't want to go, but it makes you a better player. I think everybody is really excited to get the pads on. It's a lot more fun playing football with pads on, so I think everybody is excited for Friday."
2. Wide receiver Justyn Ross made a great catch during an 11-on-11 period.
Ross, who spent last season on injured reserve, performed well throughout the offseason training program and continued to put his best foot forward on Wednesday. In fact, Ross was responsible for one of the plays of the day when he made a leaping catch near the sideline during an 11-on-11 period.
The play included a great throw by quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a tremendous catch by Ross, who went up and grabbed the football despite good coverage. It was a great moment for the former undrafted free agent signee as he aims to make the Chiefs' regular-season roster.
Another offensive standout on Wednesday was wide receiver Skyy Moore, who continued his strong camp with another busy day. Moore, who has seen a high volume of targets throughout camp, has been impressive.
3. Cornerback Joshua Williams tallied an impressive pass-breakup during 7-on-7 drills.
Williams recorded a memorable pass-breakup during a 7-on-7 period when he stuck with the play and punched the ball loose from the receiver, who briefly made the catch before Williams' efforts jarred it free. It was another strong practice for Williams, who recorded an interception on Tuesday.
Rookie safety Anthony Cook also made a noteworthy defensive play on Wednesday, hauling in an interception during 11-on-11 drills.
4. Wide receiver Richie James showed off his arm.
The Chiefs focused on the basics for much of Wednesday's practice, but they still managed to have some fun, too. That was most apparent toward the end of an 11-on-11 period, when Patrick Mahomes fired a pass to wide receiver Richie James along the line of scrimmage, but rather than tuck the ball and run, James unleashed a pass deep downfield into the arms of wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
The play demonstrated that James, who was a quarterback in high school, certainly has a good arm. It's something to keep in mind over the course of the upcoming season when it comes to potentially creative offensive play designs.
5. Here's a look at Wednesday's injury report.
The players who did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to injury or illness were wide receiver Kadarius Toney (knee), linebacker Nick Bolton (sick), linebacker Isaiah Moore (knee) and defensive lineman Tershawn Wharton (knee).
Additionally, wide receiver John Ross was excused from Wednesday's practice.
The Chiefs will have an off day on Thursday before taking the field for the fifth practice of training camp on Friday morning. For a look at the training camp schedule or for more information on how to reserve free tickets, click here.
