The Kansas City Chiefs held their fifth training camp practice on Sunday morning, marking the first time players wore pads since the end of last season. The session lasted one hour and 40 minutes as part of the team’s gradual “ramp up” period in St. Joseph.
Head Coach Andy Reid noted the importance of these padded practices for evaluating player endurance and mental toughness. “I like that second half of the practice. [You] see how they push. How do they retain and push through that wall? You start talking to yourself at the end there,” Reid said. “You find out who’s willing to keep it going.”
Sunday’s schedule included a “long drive drill,” which simulates game conditions by having players run consecutive plays with minimal rest or substitutions. Defensive end Mike Danna described its value: “You just have to gut it out. There’s no looking for subs or ways out. You have to realize that this is the time to dig deep and the time to grow,” Danna said. “Coach emphasizes growing in uncomfortable situations, and that’s what the long drive drill is. It’s uncomfortable, you’re exhausted, and you want to see who’s going to dig deep and keep going.”
During this drill, quarterback Patrick Mahomes connected with wide receiver Hollywood Brown for a touchdown pass in the red zone.
The team also ran a 9-on-7 segment focusing on running plays between tackles, while receivers and cornerbacks worked on one-on-one drills nearby.
Veteran tight end Robert Tonyan continued his strong performance at camp, making a notable one-handed catch during a 7-on-7 period. Reid commented on Tonyan’s progress: “He’s doing a nice job. He’s a veteran, and he’s been consistent,” Reid said of Tonyan. “He’s a good receiving tight end.” Safety Deon Bush recorded an interception off a deflection during 11-on-11 drills, while rookie linebacker Cooper McDonald broke up a pass in coverage.
On the injury front, offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (knee) and rookie tight end Tre Watson returned from the Physically Unable to Perform list and participated in practice. Cornerback Kristian Fulton remains sidelined after offseason knee surgery. Rookie tight end Jake Briningstool missed practice due to a hamstring injury, while defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott briefly left with an ankle issue but later returned.
The Chiefs are scheduled for another padded practice on Monday as training camp continues.
