Chiefs return to 'real football' on Day 5 of training camp
Notes, observations from Day 5 of Chiefs training camp
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Football was officially back in the air Sunday with the Chiefs in full pads for the first time in training camp.
Or, as one of the players put it, there’s now a genuine feel for the on-field work.
“It’s good to finally be back to real football,” Chiefs tight end Noah Gray said. “It’s been a lot of fun today and looking forward to the rest of training camp.”
The Chiefs were in shells the previous four sessions of on-field work as part of the team’s acclimation period, which saw shorter practices.
Sunday, however, saw the action ramp up during individual position drills and throughout team drills.
And the sounds of pads smacking in the air with controlled contact brought high energy from the players, even in humid conditions.
“Oh, man, it’s great,” Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna said with a smile. “Hearing those pads pop, being able to thud, being able to wrap up, being able to be physical outside of the protector shells, it’s amazing.
“Guys were competing every single play – 9-on-7 was tough. It’s hot, but when those pads come on, you see who’s really about it and who’s not. I felt like everybody stepped up on both sides of the ball and we were competing today.”
The Chiefs closed out team drills with long-drive drills, and coach Andy Reid came away pleased with the overall effort.
“I like that second half of the practice,” Reid said. “See how they push, how they retain, push and kind of push through that wall, start to kind of talk to yourself at the end there and find out who’s willing to keep it going.”
DANNA WORKS INSIDE
The Chiefs entered training camp with a need for interior defensive line depth when considering the offseason departures of Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi.
And there could be an emerging surprise option.
Danna, who mostly lines up on the edge, drew some defensive tackle repetitions during team drills.
“We did that last year,” Reid said. “We’ve moved him inside, outside (in) pass situations, jump him inside. He’s got a knack for it.”
A-OK FOR NORMANN-LOTT
Rookie defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott left the practice field with a clear limp during team drills.
Norman-Lott spent time on the sidelines under the watchful eye of a trainer before being taken to the medial tent, where the rookie received treatment.
While seeing the team’s second-round pick leave the practice field is worrisome, Norman-Lott alleviated any concern by eventually returning to the practice field.
Reid revealed the extent of Norman-Lott’s injury after practice.
“He tweaked his ankle just a little bit,” Reid said. “He came back.”
ROTATION TIME
Jawaan Taylor (knee) is off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, and he didn’t waste too much time getting on the field.
Taylor lined up at right tackle, his customary spot, with the first-team offense during team drills alongside right guard Trey Smith, center Creed Humphrey, left guard Kingsley Suamataia and rookie left tackle Josh Simmons.
But the Chiefs appeared to limit Taylor’s repetitions, as Jaylon Moore, who lined up at right tackle the previous four practices, rotated in.
Reid pointed out after practice that the rotation is by design to ease in Taylor after the missed time.
“We were getting him back in the swing,” Reid said. “He hadn’t done anything.”
PARTICIPATION
In addition to Taylor, rookie tight end Tre Watson (abdomen) returned to practice after opening training camp on the PUP list.
Cornerback Kristian Fulton (knee, PUP list) and rookie tight end Jake Briningstool (hamstring) did not practice.
