The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the sixth practice of training camp on Monday morning as the three-time defending AFC champions continued their preparation for the upcoming season.
Here's a quick rundown of what took place during Monday's practice, and for reference, all previous practice reports are below:
1. The Chiefs invited around two dozen former players to watch practice on Monday.
It was "Ambassadors and Legends Day" at camp on Monday morning as around two dozen former players from various of generations of Chiefs football attended practice. The alumni enjoyed the session from the comfort of a tailgate suite before taking the field following practice, addressing the team and breaking down the huddle.
The annual event is always one of the most memorable moments of camp.
2. The players took the field in pads for the second day in a row.
The "ramp up" period of camp continued on Monday as the players took part in a second padded practice in a row. Monday's practice was slightly longer than Sunday's session, and soon enough, the team will begin full-length, two-hour and 25-minute padded practices.
The padded sessions have provided an opportunity for the coaching staff to evaluate several of their new players in a real-world environment for the first time, including rookie offensive tackle Josh Simmons.
"I like where he's at mentally right now," said Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy. "We all see what goes on out here at practice, but then we take it to walk-throughs inside, and he's so laser-focused and [listening to Offensive Line Coach Andy Heck]. Maybe there's a mistake or an assignment where he didn't go to the right spot, so we repeat it and go through it, and he can't have enough of those. Physically, he's super talented. It's the mental side and the communication part [that he's working on], but I really like where he's at. He's a true pro right now, and this is just the beginning."
3. Linebacker Leo Chenal made the play of the day with a diving interception.
Chenal was responsible for the top play of the morning when he tipped a pass over the middle, stuck with it in the air and made a diving interception. The play, which took place during 7-on-7 drills, was a great example of Chenal's elite athleticism.
Another defensive player who stood out on Monday was cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace, who tallied a diving pass-breakup during 7-on-7 drills. Cornerback Nazeeh Johnson also made a noteworthy play during the 7-on-7 period with a pass-breakup down the sideline.
During 11-on-11 drills, defensive end Charles Omenihu – while maybe not as obvious – made one of the morning's top plays when he exploded out of his stance and blew up a running play in the red zone.
4. The Chiefs worked on a "backed-up punt" situation during practice.
The Chiefs work on various specific situations during every practice in order to be ready for any and all scenarios that may present themselves over the course of a long football season. One of those situations on Monday was a "backed-up punt" scenario in which the Chiefs' punter – either Matt Araiza or Eddie Czaplicki – handled the snap on a short field in the shadow of the goal post.
If the Chiefs face a backed-up punt situation at some point during the year, just remember that they practiced it on July 28.
5. Here's a look at Monday's injury report.
There was one addition to the injury report on Monday as cornerback Darius Rush missed practice due to a hamstring injury. Rush joined tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring) and cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee) as those who did not take the field on Monday.
In some good news, rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, who briefly exited Sunday's practice due to an ankle injury before returning, was out there participating on Monday.
Next up, the Chiefs will take the field on Tuesday for the seventh practice of training camp. For a look at the training camp schedule or for more information on how to reserve tickets, click here.
