The Kansas City Chiefs took the field for the third practice of training camp on Thursday 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 Thursday's practice, and for reference, all previous practice reports are below:
1. We livestreamed a portion of Thursday's practice.
We livestreamed a portion of practice on Thursday morning in an effort to bring a little bit of the training camp experience to those who couldn't make the trip to St. Joseph. The stream also included a discussion about the Chiefs' defensive line and running back rooms, plus interviews with defensive tackle Chris Jones and tailback Isiah Pacheco.
As of now, we're scheduled to livestream three more practices over the next few weeks (July 29, Aug. 2 and Aug. 5).
2. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy made another catch deep downfield.
Worthy made a nice adjustment on a deep pass to haul in big catch downfield during an 11-on-11 segment of Thursday's practice. The Chiefs have connected on at least one big play in each of their three practices so far, doing so twice during 11-on-11 periods (wide receiver Hollywood Brown on Wednesday and Worthy on Thursday) and once during a 7-on-7 segment (Worthy on Tuesday).
Tight end Travis Kelce also made a noteworthy play on Thursday with a leaping catch over the middle during a 7-on-7 segment. Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton continued his strong start to camp as well with an impressive catch near the goal line during the 7-on-7 period.
Lastly, wide receiver Rashee Rice turned in one of the top plays of the day with a one-handed catch over a defender during an 11-on-11 segment.
3. Kicker Harrison Butker nailed a 63-yard field goal.
The Chiefs worked on several aspects of special teams on Thursday, including kickoff returns and the field goal operation. The latter segment featured Butker attempting kicks from varying increasing distances – which included the snap and a pass-rush coming at him – until he nailed what looked to be a 63-yard field goal.
It was a great kick by Butker, who cleared the crossbar fairly easily.
In addition to the two special teams' periods, the Chiefs also took part in "team run" and "team blitz" segments of practice. Both periods were of the 11-on-11 variety, and while contact is limited during non-padded practices, the segments – especially the "team run" period – emphasized the mental aspect of those respective operations. That preparation will then be put to the test when the players take the field in pads this weekend.
A few standouts from the "team blitz" segment, which sent a blitz after the quarterback on every play of the period, were rookie cornerback Melvin Smith, who forced a fumble by punching the ball loose from the ball carrier, and defensive end Charles Omenihu, who swatted away a pass at the line of scrimmage.
4. Head Coach Andy Reid revealed that the first padded practice will take place on July 27.
The Chiefs remain in the "ramp up" period of training camp that aims to ease the players into full-blown football activities. Thursday's practice, which was 15 minutes longer in duration than Wednesday's session, was part of that process as the team gradually works toward standard, two hour and 25-minute practices.
The team hasn't donned the pads yet, either, but Coach Reid revealed that Sunday will mark the Chiefs' first padded practice since last season concluded.
"The first day of pads, you have to bring it. Everybody is out here trying to fight for a spot, and people are going to give you their best effort," said tailback Kareem Hunt. "It's all for a good cause. We're just trying to make each other better out there, so you just have to bring your game."
In the meantime, the Chiefs will take the field on Friday for another non-padded practice before enjoying the morning off from practice on Saturday.
5. Here's a look at Thursday's injury report.
The only players who didn't participate in Thursday's practice were offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, cornerback Kristian Fulton and tight end Tre Watson. All three players remain on the "Physically Unable to Perform," or "PUP" list and have yet to take the field during camp.
Every other member of the roster was on the field for Thursday's session.
Next up, the Chiefs will take the field on Friday for the fourth practice of training camp. For a look at the training camp schedule or for more information on how to reserve tickets, click here.
