By MATT PIKE
The Kansas City Chiefs returned to the Mosaic Life Care Training Fields on Monday after a Sunday off day, preparing for their first preseason game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.
Not only did the Chiefs return to the practice fields on Monday, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was also back in St. Joseph with the Chiefs after tragedy struck his family right near the start of Training Camp in St. Joseph. Head Coach Andy Reid says it was good to have Bieniemy back bringing his energy to the offensive unit
"Everybody was glad to see him. I think once you start going, you’re going," Reid told reporters after practice. "It’s a bit like a game. Once you’re in the game, you’re in the game. But he always brings good energy.”
Bieniemy missed 11 practices after traveling to Virginia to be with his wife, who was allegedly shot by the couple's son at the family's home. 27 year old Elijah Zion Bieniemy was arrested and charged on July 27th with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
During Bieniemy's absence, pass game coordinator Joe Bleymaier took over the offensive coordinator's duties. Players on the offensive unit were happy to have Bieniemy back though, each one shaking his hand prior to the start of practice.
"He's a great guy and very vocal," left guard Kingsley Suamataia says. "He pushes us to our limits every day so we can be the best offense out there. It's been great."
"Just being able to have his voice, his coaching points, and his energy, it's infectious" tight end Jake Briningstool added. "It's great to have him back out here."
Even players on the defensive side of the ball understand the presence of Bieniemy and what he can bring to the offense, which in turn brings more out of the defense.
"Having a guy like that, competitor, brings out the best in us also on defense, challenging us, if we win a rep, he don't really care about winning a rep just do it again type of deal," linebacker Nick Bolton says. "So it's fun, friendly banter we call it, but its great to have him back in the building."
Along the Chiefs offensive line, Suamataia seems to have found his groove since shifting from tackle to guard, moving into his third year in the league. After struggling and losing his job at left tackle in his rookie season, Suamataia took over at left guard after the Chiefs traded Joe Thuney and has shown the potential the Chiefs hoped for.
Suamataia says it all comes down to him feeling more comfortable at his position and has focused this year more on other ways he can help the team.
"My main thing this offseason was just being extra conditioned, so I can be able to run down the field and just make the plays I need to make for my teammates," Sumataia says.
Being extra condintioned could come in big for the Chiefs offense this season with the running backs having more catching ability out of the backfield, and utilizing the screen game more, giving more chances for downfield blocks.
The Chiefs offensive line is mostly set going into the season, with a battle happeing at right tackle. Trey Smith is also out at the moment,dealing with a hip injury. Undrafted rookie Khalil Benson has been working out at right guard as well as right tackle.
While Benson has impressed along the offensive line, another undrafted player from last season is looking to find his way onto the team after a season ending injury derailed his hopes of making it out of Training Camp last season.
Briningstool has been making his name known alongside Tre Watson and Jared Wiley for who will back up Travis Kelce and Noah Gray. Briningstool missed all last season after suffering a hamstring injury during Training Camp in St. Joseph, just before the first padded practice at Missouri Western State University.
Briningstool says it's felt great to be able to compete this season for a spot on the team, after missing out last season
"Being able to come out here, learn a lot from the other guys, and just really showcase what I can do," Briningstool says. "So, it's been great, I've been excited to be back out here."
Briningstool also says he's relished the opportunity to get to learn from a tight end he's developed his game after in Kelce
"Just being able to be so close to him, the Hall of Fame career that he’s had, it’s been a blessing for me to watch him, study him, and just be able to play alongside him," Briningstool adds.
The Chiefs practice again tomorrow at 9:15am after a just over two hour practice today.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.