By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The Kansas City Chiefs started training camp practice in full pads on Saturday morning outdoors in the sun.
But shortly after 10 a.m., storm clouds came in from the west, bringing heavy rain and winds with them. The Chiefs moved practice inside the Griffon Indoor Sports Complex by 10:30, and completed practice just after 11.
The Chiefs added a few players to their injured list. Corner Nazeeh Johnson sustained a potentially significant knee injury toward the end of practice Saturday. Corner L’Jarius Sneed didn’t work Saturday due to knee issues.
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was ill and didn’t practice on Saturday either. Jody Forston (shoulder), Drue Tranquill (neck), Isaiah Moore (knee), Mike Danna (calf), Kadarius Toney (knee) and Turk Wharton (ACL, PUP list) are all sidelined. Chris Jones has not reported yet.
Rookies standing out on special teams
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub spoke for the first time in training camp Saturday, and he says he's been impressed with several rookies who are contributing on special teams. In particular, he mentioned running back Deneric Prince, who's right now the front runner to return kicks this year.
"I think he's a special talent as a returner," Toub said of Prince. "He did a lot in college. He's got a lot of skills. I'm excited to see him in a preseason game. He's looked really good in practice.
Toub also mentioned that Richie James is the leading candidate to return punts, noting James' ability to "catch everything." After inheriting a lot of young players on special teams last year, Toub feels great about where his position group is.
"I thought we had an outstanding OTAs and minicamp," Toub said. "They came in with a purpose and are working hard. Starting with the rookies now and the vets here. The guys are just flying around. It's good to see that they're hungry to get another one."
Kelce fired up again
Travis Kelce was seen getting into a verbal exchange with DiCaprio Bootle and Bryan Cook on Friday. On Saturday, Kelce got into it with linebacker Jack Cochrane.
After Kelce caught a short pass in the end zone, Cochrane made contact with Kelce after the catch, perhaps trying to knock the ball out.
Kelce didn't take kindly to that at all, as he actually took a swing at Cochrane and the two got into a brief shoving match.
Kelce himself responded on Twitter.
Harrison Butker feeling like his old self
It was quite the offseason for Harrison Butker. He and his wife, Isabelle, welcomed their third child and he spoke at his alma mater Georgia Tech's graduation commencement.
After having about a full month off from football, Butker says he's feeling much like he did before the ankle sprain he suffered in the 2022 season opener at Arizona.
"I feel like I'm kicking better this training camp than I did the last training camp before the injury," Butker said. "I'm feeling really good with it. The ball is going through - that's the most important thing. I think I probably have changed some things with my technique. I'm not trying to destroy the ball. I'm just trying to make sure it goes through the uprights."
Butker was asked about the NFL fair catch rule. NFL owners voted back in May to approve a resolution that allows players to fair catch kickoffs, with the resulting possession starting at the team's own 25-yard line.
Butker says they'll start practicing squib kicks more in practice to prepare for this and to try and prevent opponents from taking fair catches on kickoffs. However, Butker says he anticipates most teams will still elect to return kicks if possible.
Danny Shelton on offense
Danny Shelton is a big man. 6-2, 345 to be exact. He signed with the Chiefs last year and plays defensive tackle primarily. On Saturday, he was seen lined up on the offensive line, almost as a tight end, providing some big blocks during red zone drills.
He also showed off his arm a little bit during warm-ups.
The Chiefs will practice again on Sunday morning at 9:15.
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