The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up training camp on Wednesday as the team took the field at Missouri Western State University for the final time.
In terms of who didn't participate, defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (hip), defensive end Frank Clark (hamstring), offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (hand), defensive end Malik Herring (knee) and offensive lineman Kyle Long (leg) didn't take the field.
Additionally, the Chiefs made some roster moves on Tuesday that are worth noting, as the following players are no longer on the roster: tight end Evan Baylis (waived/injured), wide receiver Antonio Callaway (waived/injured), tailback Elijah McGuire (injured reserve), wide receiver Chad Williams (injured reserve) and defensive back Manny Patterson (waived).
The roster now stands at 80 players, and the Chiefs will need to cut five more players next week before narrowing the roster down even further (down to 53 players) by Aug. 31.
Here are five observations from Wednesday's practice.
1. It was Military Appreciation Day presented by GEHA.
The Chiefs hosted between 80 and 100 members of our Armed Forces up at camp on Wednesday, as members from all five branches of the military had an opportunity to watch practice from the VIP tent.
Following practice, six individuals (one representative from every branch, plus a veteran) were presented with game balls in recognition of their service to our nation.
It's always a special day that allows the Chiefs to thank those who defend our country.
2. Wednesday's practice was of the "10-10-10" variety.
As we've discussed in previous practice reports, a "10-10-10" session is a lighter period of work that doesn't take place in pads, but still maintains an up-tempo energy. These kinds of practices are made up of a sequence of several plays that put the offense, defense and special teams' units each in a position of success while in full, 11-on-11 team drills.
That meant a cycle of 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays and 10 minutes of special teams' work designed to simulate what success should look like. It was a productive way to punctuate camp on what was the 16th total practice up in St. Joseph.
"I mentioned to them last night and just now [after practice that this was a] job well done for what we needed to get done here," Reid said. "Now, we have to keep going. It's not done, we have to keep rolling, but their effort and attitude [throughout camp] was good. I appreciated that."
3. Patrick Mahomes was showing off his arm during the initial offensive segment of practice.
Mahomes launched a pair of deep balls a few snaps apart during the opening offensive segment of practice, finding wide receivers Mecole Hardman and Byron Pringle each for touchdowns.
First, Mahomes rolled to his right before setting his feet and finding Pringle deep down the sideline for a score. Then, just two snaps later, Mahomes found Hardman on a similar play for yet another touchdown. Once again, the idea behind these plays was to experience what success should look and feel like when the Chiefs are attempting to stretch the field, and they did so to perfection.
It was a fitting way for both players to complete what ended up being a strong camp for each.
4. Tyrann Mathieu and Mike Hughes made some plays during the defensive segment of practice.
The second portion of the "10-10-10" practice format positions the defense to find success for a sequence of plays, and while this segment is designed for the Chiefs to stop the opposition, the players still have to make it happen against live competition.
A couple of players, in particular, ensured that the defense found that success as Mathieu and Hughes each tallied interceptions during practice. Mathieu also added a pass breakup a bit later on.
5. We saw a couple of big man touchdowns on Wednesday.
The closing moments of practice were entertaining, to say the least, as punter Tommy Townsend – who was positioned to hold for a field goal attempt – caught the snap and fired a pass to center Creed Humphrey for a touchdown, completing the fake for a score.
The crowd went wild, and just one snap later, Townsend did it again – this time while rolling the other direction – before firing a touchdown pass to offensive lineman Nick Allegretti.
It was a fun way to end camp, and based on what we've seen from Coach Reid in previous years, it shouldn't come as a surprise if an offensive lineman finds the end zone in 2021.
That's a wrap on camp up in St. Joseph as the Chiefs will now head back to the team facility in Kansas City before traveling to Arizona for Friday's preseason contest against the Cardinals.
