The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the 11th practice of training camp on Monday morning as they 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 available below:
1. The Chiefs were back in pads for the sixth time in eight days.
Kansas City was back on the field in pads on Monday following a morning off from practice on Sunday. It marked the Chiefs' seventh practice in eight days, and their sixth padded session during that span.
The practice included multiple 11-on-11 segments, a 9-on-7 period, a 7-on-7 portion and a 15-play "long drive drill" near the end of the session. The "long drive drill," which simulates the play-to-play nature of an actual game, came on the heels of a 16-play drill on Saturday.
"Good work today. There was a lot of red zone work," said Head Coach Andy Reid. "Things are a little faster in that area, and I thought the guys competed against each other. [We worked on] third downs in the red zone, which will help us down the road."
2. Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton had a strong practice.
Thornton was responsible for a pair of impressive catches on Monday on two excellent throws from quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
First, Mahomes found Thornton amidst two defenders on a throw up the middle during 7-on-7 drills. The veteran receiver split the defense just as Mahomes' throw arrived, resulting in a smooth throw-and-catch that culminated in a big play.
Then, just a few plays later, Thornton beat his defender on a route down the sideline before hauling in another beautifully-placed throw. It was a fun sequence that illustrated the trust Mahomes clearly has with Thornton after now spending more than a year together.
Elsewhere on offense, wide receiver Jalen Royals turned in two strong plays during an 11-on-11, red zone segment of practice. The first play featured Mahomes rolling to his right, and just before running out of bounds, flipping a short pass over a defender and into the arms of Royals. The second-year receiver was then involved once again just a few plays later with a strong grab despite good coverage over the middle of the field.
Tight end Jake Briningstool, wide receiver Jason Brownlee and wide receiver Jeff Caldwell each contributed an impressive catch in the back of the end zone during the 11-on-11 period, too.
3. Tailback Ken Walker continues to be as advertised.
The Chiefs' marquee acquisition of the spring, Walker continued to demonstrate that he's every bit as advertised with another strong practice on Monday.
In fact, while Walker's vision and contact balance have been consistently impressive throughout the Chiefs' time in St. Joseph, his ability as a pass-catcher has flashed nearly every day, too, and Monday's practice was no exception.
Notably, Patrick Mahomes found Walker on a wheel route up the sideline for a touchdown as part of a perfectly-executed throw-and-catch during 11-on-11 drills, showing off the vast potential of their connection – Super Bowl MVP to Super Bowl MVP – through the air.
4. Safety Jaden Hicks had a memorable practice.
Hicks was a defensive standout on Monday with multiple impact plays, which included an interception over the middle during a 7-on-7 period and a diving pass-breakup amidst 11-on-11 red zone drills.
The third-year safety has a major opportunity in front of him with former safety Bryan Cook no longer on the team, and at least so far, Hicks appears to be off to a strong start.
Another defensive player who made a noteworthy play on Monday was cornerback Melvin Smith, who logged a pass-breakup in tight coverage during the 11-on-11 red zone period.
Safety Jadon Canady also impressed on Monday with a pass-breakup in the corner of the end zone during a 7-on-7 segment.
5. Here's a look at Monday's injury report.
Offensive guard Trey Smith (hip) and linebacker Drue Tranquill (back spasms) didn't practice for the Chiefs on Monday.
Regarding Smith, who hasn't practiced since August 6, Coach Reid indicated that he doesn't believe the injury to be serious.
Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (knee) didn't participate in Monday'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 Monday's practice.
In some good news, wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder sprain) and defensive end Ashton Gillotte (hamstring) returned to practice on Monday in a limited capacity.
Next up, the Chiefs will take the field on Tuesday for the 12th practice of training camp. For a look at the training camp schedule or for more information on how to reserve tickets, click here.
