Chiefs assistant coaches sound off on a trio of players
Notes from Day 16 of training camp
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub hasn’t been shy this summer on expressing his fondness for wide receiver/returner Nikko Remigio.
And it continued Tuesday, which marked the 16th day of training camp.
Toub admitted that Remigio still needs to contribute more on offense.
But if Toub had his way, it’s clear Remigio would make the initial 53-player roster after Aug. 26’s personnel transactions ahead of the start of the regular season.
“Everybody knows how I feel about Nikko,” Toub said. “I love having a guy that you can depend on. (He’s) solid, he’s not going to cost you a game. That’s important; so important.”
Toub’s comments come three days after the Chiefs’ preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
Remigio did his part on special teams against the Cardinals, totaling 48 yards on a kickoff. He also contributed on offense, hauling in two passes for 24 yards on three targets while playing just 16 snaps.
All in a day’s work, as far as Toub is concerned.
“We know what Nikko can do,” Toub said. “He needs to do a lot more on offense, which he has. … Just keep working in there.”
SUAMATAIA’S PROGRESS
Second-year pro Kingsley Suamataia entered training camp with a new role when compared to his rookie season.
Suamataia competed for the starting left tackle job last summer but made the switch to left guard during the offseason after the Chiefs traded Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears.
Suamataia has worked at left guard with the first-team offense throughout camp, even starting at the position in the preseason opener, and offensive line coach Andy Heck likes what he’s seen.
“This being his second year, I’ve definitely seen a better understanding of defense and I’ve really been pleased with how he’s taken to the run-game techniques,” Heck said Tuesday. “In there at the guard position, it’s different than tackle, where you have more space – *Heck snaps his right fingers* – these guys are on you right now.
“So, he’s gotten better in that regard, and then he’s doing a nice job with transitioning in working with the pass pro(tection) techniques, as well.”
MERRITT CHIMES IN ON FULTON’S RETURN
Cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee) returned to the practice field on Aug. 7, after starting training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Fulton, who signed a two-year deal during free agency this offseason, has a lot of catching up to do because of the missed time.
But probably one area is more important before the start of the regular season.
“I think the challenge for Kristian is to get his cardio,” defensive backs coach Dave Merritt said. “You can go and you can work with your offseason coach, you can work with the trainers, but when you come out here and you’re working with the professional coach, as well as going against a professional offense, your cardio is the first thing you’re going to see.
“So, the good thing about him is today, I think he wanted to tap out, and then all of a sudden, just told him to keep going because he needs that, just play after play after play. So, if he can continue to expand and open his lungs, that’s going to help us all out.”
The Chiefs are likely hoping Fulton is 100% ready for season opener on Sept. 5.
As of now, the team’s top cornerback trio projects as Fulton, Trent McDuffie and Jaylon Watson.
PARTICIPATION
Cornerback Jaylen Watson (concussion protocol), wide receiver Hollywood Brown (ankle) and rookie tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring) did not practice Tuesday.
