The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the eighteenth 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.
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1. The Chiefs completed their 10th padded practice of training camp on Wednesday.
The players took the field in full pads for the second-straight practice on Wednesday, marking the Chiefs' 10th padded practice since camp began last month. These last two days presented a significant challenge both mentally and physically, as the players were tasked with traveling back to St. Joseph following last Sunday's preseason opener.
The first three weeks of training camp were akin to "groundhog day," but once the schedule was disrupted by the Chiefs' preseason matchup, the trek back to Missouri Western State University had the potential to be taxing. It's for that reason that this final week of practices in St. Joseph provides a significant opportunity for roster evaluation as the players aim to finish training camp strong.
The Chiefs' final open practice in St. Joseph will take place on Thursday at 8:15 a.m. CT. The team will resume its preparation for the upcoming campaign at the Chiefs' practice facility in Kansas City following Saturday's preseason game in Arizona.
2. Rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice had a strong day.
Rice began Wednesday's practice with a big play when he caught a pass up the seam for a large gain during 11-on-11 drills early in the session. The former second-round pick made the over-the-shoulder reception despite good coverage, and as the practice went on, Rice continued to impress.
The 6-foot-1, 204-pound Rice was busy throughout the session, hauling in multiple catches during both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. He continues to progress well as a member of the Chiefs' passing game.
3. Cornerback Joshua Williams recorded a few noteworthy pass-breakups.
Williams recorded an impressive pass-breakup near the sideline during 11-on-11 drills early in the practice before tallying another pass-breakup – this time in the end zone – a bit later.
An area of emphasis on Wednesday appeared to be short-yardage situations, including those on the goal line. This provided the Chiefs' offense with several opportunities to work on converting short-yardage scenarios, but at the same time, it also served as an excellent chance for the defense to refine its craft, too, particularly in situations where it seemed like a pass was unlikely. Williams, it appeared, made the most of that opportunity.
4. Wide receiver Justyn Ross made a memorable touchdown grab in the back of the end zone.
Ross, who was back at practice on Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's session early with a leg injury, made a noteworthy play early in the practice with a leaping touchdown catch in the back of the end zone during 11-on-11 drills.
Fellow wide receiver Richie James also put together a strong practice with multiple catches throughout the morning. His best work took place following a short reception over the middle, as James stopped on a dime – sending a defender flying by – and reversed direction on his way to the end zone.
Lastly, veteran tight end Kendall Blanton made an excellent, leaping touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone during 11-on-11 drills. Blanton held on to the catch despite tight coverage by the defender.
5. Here's a look at Wednesday's injury report.
The players who did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to injury were wide receiver Kadarius Toney (knee), cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (knee), wide receiver Nikko Remigio (shoulder) and cornerback Nic Jones (fingers).
Additionally, offensive lineman Nick Allegretti left Wednesday's practice early due to a shoulder injury.
Safety Mike Edwards, who missed Tuesday's practice with an ankle injury, returned to practice on Wednesday. Wide receivers Justyn Ross (leg) and Ihmir Smith-Marsette (groin) also returned to practice on Wednesday after leaving Tuesday's session early.
The Chiefs will take the field for the nineteenth and final practice of training camp on Thursday morning at 8:15 a.m. CT. For more information on how to reserve tickets, click here.
