By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The Kansas City Chiefs were back on the field at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph Monday, despite some morning showers.
The rain subsided as players came down the hill for a lighter, shorter practice after three straight days in full pads. It was the eighth overall training camp practice.
The team worked for just over an hour in what’s known as a 10-10-10 practice - series of 10 plays the first-team offense going against the second-team defense, the first-team defense going against the second-team offense and so on. There were also special teams periods.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says there’s a strategy to throwing in these lighter practices.
"You know we went three (days) in a row with the pads," he said. "I think doing this here gives us a chance to do a little bit more with the mental (side), get the bodies back. We get (Tuesday) off and I'm sure in Coach Reid's mind, we get after it a little bit next time we come back."
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire was back at practice after missing the previous two with illness. Kadarius Toney (knee), Mike Danna (calf) and Jody Forston (shoulder) remain sidelined. Receiver Ty Scott also didn't work Monday, though he wasn't named on the injury list.
Isaiah Moore and Nazeeh Johnson are on injured reserve, Turk Wharton remains on the PUP list and Chris Jones has not yet reported.
Punter Tommy Townsend appeared to have rolled his ankle during a special teams drill, and he left practice early in the front of a cart after spending some time in the medical tent.
The good news - Townsend was not named in the team's official injury report at the end of practice, so it doesn't appear to be anything serious.
Felix on the rise
One rookie that hasn’t been talked about a ton yet this training camp is the Chiefs’ first round draft pick - defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah out of Kansas State.
Felix, drafted 31st overall, was slowed by thumb surgery and a hamstring injury in the offseason and was limited during OTAs and minicamp.
But now, Spagnuolo is noticing improvement.
"He's flashing now," Spags said of Felix. "There's still a curve there, a learning curve. But, I think he's doing pretty good right now."
Felix says he’s feeling better as camp rolls on.
"Now I'm here in training camp, and it's a great time to get your footwork and everything down to be ready for the preseason and the season."
Mahomes making them better
The Chiefs have been blessed with some talented receivers in recent years, but they’ve also had talented veterans leave and that's opened the door for newer, younger guys to step in.
That’s again the case this training camp as guys like Richie James, Justyn Ross and rookie Rashee Rice have entered the fold and are getting reps with the first-team offense.
Spagnuolo says these receivers, and their quarterback, provide a good challenge for his players.
"The whole bunch of those guys, they're a challenge for us. But, our quarterback makes all of those receivers better. So, it's good work for us."
Rice says Mahomes has been a great teacher and mentor to him already.
"He's a great coach," Rice said of Mahomes. "He's a great brother off the field. He's just going to let you know exactly what he's thinking so you can basically be his head on and off the field."
Other notes
Receiver Nikko Remigio had a particularly flashy punt return Monday.
Receiver Rashee Rice said he's getting more and more acclimated in this camp as a rookie, noting that his confidence is increasing. Rice said he felt like he hit his stride after he caught his first touchdown from Mahomes in camp.
Meanwhile, linebacker Drue Tranquill says this training camp is harder than any other he's participated in. Tranquill is a fifth-year pro who signed with the Chiefs in March. He had spent the previous four seasons with the L.A. Chargers.
"Sometimes, you feel like a turtle walking off the field," Tranquill said when asked about padded practices. "Just slow and steady, but you take it day-by-day and try to make the most of your opportunity."
Tranquill has primarily worked with the second-team defense so far, and has played all three linebacker spots.
Caught on tape
What's next
The Chiefs are off Tuesday and back at it on Wednesday at 9:15 a.m.
You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.