Chiefs' Andy Reid pleased with team's effort throughout training camp
Chiefs on Wednesday wrapped up training camp
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – The Chiefs on Wednesday officially put their 2025 training camp in the books.
And the past 17 days of on-field work have proved successful for the team.
Coach Andy Reid, who gave a message of urgency to his players at the start of camp, credited his team leaders for setting the tone.
From quarterback Patrick Mahomes to tight end Travis Kelce to defensive tackle Chris Jones to linebacker Nick Bolton, Reid pointed out none of them missed a day of work.
The unspoken message?
Leading by example can go a long way.
“These other guys look around and you’re going, wow, it’s very impressive,” Reid said.
With Mahomes, Kelce, Jones and Bolton paving the way, the rest of the team rallied behind them to put in hard work.
Mahomes also pointed out he learned how hungry his teammates were to continue building on the past season’s success.
“It started in OTAs and guys are ready to compete,” Mahomes said. “They’re ready to get there and prove who we are. And we have a lot of young guys and I think it’s bringing a lot of energy to the team to add with the veteran leadership that we have.
“And so, I’m excited for the team and excited to get out there. And we got a good last few preseason games, and then we have a great early schedule, so I think guys are really ready to get out there and showcase who we are.”
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have two preseason games before the start of the regular season, giving Reid and Mahomes ample time to adjust as necessary for when the games matter in the win-loss column.
But after the past 17 days of training camp, Reid appreciated his players’ effort and the building blocks he has to work with for the regular season.
“I think they’ve hit it hard and with a real good attitude,” Reid said. “I like it. I like what I’ve seen out of this team, kind of how they’re wired.
“We got to go do it, but they set a good foundation for themselves. We just got to keep building on that thing.”
PLAYING TIME
The Chiefs are set to play their second preseason game on Friday night against the Seattle Seahawks.
Just don’t expect a lot of starters, including Mahomes, to be on the field that much, if at all.
“I’m still kind of figuring out who’s going to play, not play, that whole deal,” Reid said. “There’s a chance I sit a couple of the starters or at least be short with them. We want to make sure we get a good look at these guys, these young guys. So, we will just see how it all rolls going forward.”
Reid’s comments suggest numerous backups, such as quarterback Gardner Minshew, and players competing for roster spots, such as cornerback Joshua Williams and wide receiver Skyy Moore, will have opportunities to make a splash in live action.
It also wouldn’t surprise if Reid gives Minshew playing time with the first-team offensive line, which currently consists of rookie left tackle Josh Simmons, left guard Kingsley Suamataia, center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith and right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
As for Mahomes, he obviously has nothing to prove, especially in a preseason game.
And the star quarterback is fine with whatever direction Reid goes.
“At the end of the day I trust in Coach Reid and his process, and he has a reason for everything that he does,” Mahomes said. “And, so, I guess that I’ll be ready to play this week and if I get to play I’ll be ready to go.
“And if I don’t, I’ll be ready to go the next week. And if I’m not, I’ll be just as energized on the sideline as I would be if I was playing in the game. I trust in Coach Reid fully, so whatever his decision is, I’ll be ready to go out there and get the most I can out of it.”
PARTICIPATION
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown (ankle), running back Kareem Hunt (quad), rookie tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring), offensive lineman Ethan Driskell (appendectomy) did not practice.
Cornerback Jaylen Watson returned from concussion protocol and participated in Wednesday’s practice.
