The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the ninth practice of training camp on Friday morning as they continued their preparation for the upcoming season.
Here's a quick rundown of what took place during Friday's practice, and for reference, all previous practice reports are available below:
1. The Chiefs took the field in pads for the fourth time in the last five days.
Kansas City was back out there in pads on Friday after competing in a non-padded, "10-10-10" practice on Thursday.
The lighter session on Thursday came on the heels of three-straight padded practices – the first of camp so far – and on Friday, once again, the players took the field for a full-length, padded practice. The session included a 9-on-7 period, a 7-on-7 segment and multiple 11-on-11 periods as the team officially hit the halfway mark of its time in St. Joseph.
"Good work all the way around," said Head Coach Andy Reid. "We got a couple of different situations that we were able to work on, and I thought it was a very productive day."
The Chiefs have seven padded practices (and nine total practices) remaining as part of training camp at Missouri Western.
2. Defensive back Jadon Canady made a leaping pass-breakup during 7-on-7 drills.
Canady was responsible for one of the plays of the morning when he made a leaping, full-extension pass-breakup on a high, arching pass during a 7-on-7 period. The rookie defensive back got his fingertips on the ball to disrupt an otherwise likely completion, logging another impressive play in what has seemingly been a strong camp.
Elsewhere on defense, safety Jaden Hicks recorded a pass-breakup on a deep crossing route during 7-on-7 drills. Linebacker Kam Arnold also made a noteworthy play with a pass-breakup during the 7-on-7 segment, punching the ball away from the intended receiver at the catch point.
3. Tight end Tre Watson made an acrobatic catch down the sideline during an 11-on-11 period.
Watson made perhaps the top play of the practice when he completed an acrobatic catch near the sideline during an 11-on-11 segment. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes fired a terrific throw as part of the play, putting the ball where only Watson could grab it, and despite an initial juggle, the second-year tight end managed to come down with it.
Another offensive player who stood out on Friday was rookie wide receiver Jeff Weimer, who made multiple full-extension catches – first during 1-on-1s and later during 7-on-7 drills – over the course of the practice.
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton also finished the final 11-on-11 portion of practice on a high note, hauling in a deep throw from Mahomes – a pass of 45 yards or so – for a long touchdown.
4. Linebacker Cooper McDonald logged a pair of impact plays.
The second-year linebacker was all over the place on Friday with multiple noteworthy plays.
Specifically, McDonald punched the ball away at the catch point during an 11-on-11 play, disrupting what otherwise looked to be a sure catch for the offense. Then, just a little bit later, McDonald was involved once again with a diving pass-breakup.
McDonald, who made the initial 53-man roster last season and appeared in all 17 games, is an excellent example of how young players can earn an opportunity with a strong showing in St. Joseph. Keep in mind, McDonald's career in Kansas City began as a tryout player last offseason, and now a year later, he's making plays as a member of the Chiefs' defense.
5. Here's a look at Friday's injury report.
Offensive guard Trey Smith (hip), linebacker Drue Tranquill (back spasms), cornerback Kristian Fulton (hip), linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (groin), wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder sprain) and defensive end Ashton Gillotte (hamstring) didn't practice for the Chiefs on Friday.
Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (knee) didn't participate in Friday's practice either, although his absence was part of a planned management schedule.
Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (knee) also remains on the "Physically Unable to Perform" list (PUP) and did not participate in Friday's practice.
In some good news, wide receiver Cyrus Allen returned to practice after missing time with a bruised shin.
"He did a good job when he was out there," said Coach Reid. "That was a positive."
Next up, the Chiefs will take the field on Saturday for the 10th practice of training camp. For a look at the training camp schedule or for more information on how to reserve tickets, click here.
