By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
It was a lighter load for the Chiefs at training camp on Friday after three straight days of full pads.
The Chiefs came out in helmets and shorts and conducted a 10-10-10 practice - 10 scripted offensive plays, 10 scripted defensive plays, followed by 10 minutes of special teams work and repeat. The practice was about 90 minutes long.
Injury wise, cornerback Deandre Baker returned to practice Friday, but left guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was absent with a hand injury. Also receiver Antonio Callaway is out with a bone bruise, while linebacker Willie Gay remains in concussion protocol.
Other Chiefs who did not practice Friday include right tackle Mike Remmers (back), right guard Kyle Long (knee), defensive ends Alex Okafor (hamstring) and Malik Herring (knee) and receiver Chad Williams (groin).
Special teams
Special teams coach Dave Toub confirmed that the starting kick returner will be Byron Pringle while Mecole Hardman will start as punt returner, however he noted that cornerback Mike Hughes will get a look at kick returner.
"He's been really impressive in practice," Toub said of Hughes.
Toub added that Pringle and Marcus Kemp are their "top gunners" on special teams, as in guys who will specialize in getting after the opponent's kick and punt returners.
Punter Tommy Townsend says he feels much more confident and comfortable going into this season compared to last.
"It's nice being on a team where you only have to punt a couple of times (per game)," he remarked.
The Chiefs have the day off Saturday before returning to full pads Sunday.
The team will have another off day Wednesday, and their first preseason game comes August 14 at San Francisco.
