By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The second week of training camp is underway, and the Chiefs practiced in helmets and shorts Monday before they put the pads on for the first time Tuesday.
On the injury front, tight end Travis Kelce took part in team drills Monday after not doing so for the last few practices. Linebacker Anthony Hitchens did individual drills, but nothing more.
Also, linebacker Ben Niemann did not practice Monday as he deals with a hamstring injury. Right tackle Mike Remmers was held out for a second straight practice due to back spasms.
During Monday’s session, safety Juan Thornhill and receiver Chad Williams both suffered groin injuries and left the field early.
Tight end Nick Keizer (back) and running back Darwin Thompson (COVID) did not practice Monday. Also, tight end Evan Baylis hurt his ankle during Monday's practice.
Linebackers
With Hitchens and Niemann out, rookie Nick Bolton and second-year pro Darrius Harris took reps at first-team linebacker along with Willie Gay Monday.
All three of them - Bolton, Harris and Gay - got an interception against quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy admitted Monday wasn’t the best day for his unit.
"Today, we didn't have our best day," he said. "But, I'll have an opportunity to really evaluate it and take a look at it on tape."
Youngsters on the O-line
On the bright side, Bienemy has been pleased with rookies Creed Humphrey, Lucas Niang and Trey Smith, who’ve all seen time on the first-team offensive line this camp.
"I'm very excited about those young guys," Bieniemy said. "Coach (Andy) Heck is a hell of a coach. He does a great job of communicating. He's done a great job over the years of teaching. He has a way with those guys. Those guys are doing a good job. Are they right where we need them to be right now? No, but that's what training camp is for."
Receivers
Mecole Hardman has made some nice plays with the first-team offense this camp and Bieniemy said "we're excited about Mecole" and said he's shown "explosive power" early on. Bieniemy also pointed out Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson as receivers who have made a strong impression.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Entering his second season, Edwards-Helaire is expected to take a big step forward as a leader in the backfield. Bieniemy especially likes Edwards-Helaire's development in the pass protection and receiving part of his game.
"He has a better understanding of what's going on with the protections," Bieniemy said. "He's doing a good job in the run game as he always does. But, I think overall, he's just finding his rhythm, because now, it ain't the first time he's doing it again, you know? Now, he's done it. He's been there.
The Chiefs practice Tuesday - Friday and will rest on Saturday before resuming practice Sunday.
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