The Kansas City Chiefs were back at it on Sunday after enjoying an off day on Saturday as training camp continued at Missouri Western State University.
In terms of who didn't participate on Sunday, offensive lineman Darryl Williams (COVID protocols), offensive tackle Prince Tega Wanogho (knee), wide receiver Antonio Callaway (bone bruise), offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (hand), defensive end Alex Okafor (hamstring), linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (concussion protocol), tight end Evan Baylis (ankle), offensive tackle Mike Remmers (back spasms), defensive end Malik Herring (knee) and offensive lineman Kyle Long (leg) didn't take the field.
A few players also left Sunday's practice a bit early, including wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (illness), defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (undisclosed) and defensive tackle Tyler Clark (neck).
Additionally, wide receiver Chad Williams, who has missed time lately with a groin strain, returned to practice in a limited capacity.
Here are five observations from Sunday's practice.
1. The Chiefs had to head indoors due to lightning in the area.
Inclement weather forced the Chiefs inside on Sunday, but they still managed to get plenty of work in despite the quick change of plans.
"It was a good practice. We had to make a sudden change with the weather, but the guys came in and did a nice job with it," said Head Coach Andy Reid. "We appreciate our fans for driving up here and hanging with us. We were trying to get back outside - it just didn't work that way with the lightning – but the guys were competing [once we got inside]. When you go back and forth, that means there's some good on offense and some good on defense."
There was no breaking from practice following the move indoors. Kansas City jumped right back into the practice plan and executed it without skipping a beat.
The Kansas City Chiefs at training camp.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (02) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle (13) and safety Devon Key (24) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend (5) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jody Fortson (88) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Frank Clark (55) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Charvarius Ward (35) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mike Hughes (21) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (59) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Michael Danna (51) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Tim Ward (92) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle (13) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Anthony Gordon (8) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Manny Patterson (42) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (25) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Rain causes the Kansas City Chiefs to go practice inside during training camp at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Rain causes the Kansas City Chiefs to go practice inside during training camp at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fans during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman (17) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Darrius Shepherd (9) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Riley Cole (46) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones (95) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cornell Powell (14) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Darwin Thompson (34) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs fullback Michael Burton (45) during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Daurice Fountain (82)during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
Kansas City Chiefs during training camp practice at Missouri Western State University.
2. Charvarius Ward had a great practice.
One of Sunday's standout performers was Ward, who punched the ball free from the ball-carrier for a forced fumble during one play before breaking up a deep pass down the sideline a bit later.
Ward has the distinction of being the Chiefs' most experienced cornerback heading into this season, as his 1,844 snaps over the last two years rank 13th among all corners across the NFL. He's tallied 16 passes defensed and two interceptions in that time, earning performance grades from Pro Football Focus that placed him among the top 23 cornerbacks in the league during both seasons (min. 750 snaps played).
Now entering his fourth season as a professional, Ward has an opportunity to take another step forward in his development in 2021.
3. Byron Pringle made some plays.
Pringle put together perhaps his best practice of camp, as the fourth-year receiver got open numerous times deep down the field and connected with quarterback Patrick Mahomes for multiple touchdowns.
It was an exciting development for Pringle, who has earned a larger role on the team in each of the last two seasons. He was on the field for 146 offensive snaps in 2019 - hauling in 12 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown – before tallying 239 offensive snaps last season while catching 13 passes for 160 yards and a score.
With wide receiver Sammy Watkins no longer in town, Pringle will have an opportunity to make even more of an impact this season.
4. Travis Kelce had the catch of the day.
Kelce is the best tight end in football and often makes incredible plays look easy, but he still managed to surpass even his lofty standards during Sunday's practice with a fantastic, one-handed grab.
What made the catch all the more remarkable was that Kelce had his back to the football until the last possible second, turned around just in time and hauled in the reception with just one hand.
It was a truly phenomenal catch that once again demonstrated why Kelce is so special.
5. Marcus Kemp impressed once again.
As we've discussed in previous recaps from camp, Kemp has put together a strong couple of weeks as both a contributor on offense and on special teams. He was busy once again on Sunday, too, making a handful of impressive catches.
It's all been enough to leave an impression on Assistant Head Coach / Special Teams' Coordinator Dave Toub, who spoke about Kemp on Friday.
"He's always been a strong special teams' player, and that's not going to change. He has the right mentality, too. Just because he's now making more plays on offense, he's [still] going to be a good special teams' player," Toub said. "We're fortunate to have a guy like Kemp who can come in, be a good special teams' player for me, and be a solid guy they can go to on offense. It's good to see him making big plays out there."
Camp is all about taking advantage of each and every day out at practice, and Kemp is epitomizing that.
The Chiefs will return to practice on Monday at 9:15 a.m. CT.
