By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The Chiefs practiced in full pads for a third straight day Thursday, and several players came back from injury - most notably Tyreek Hill.
After a knee tendonitis flare-up on Tuesday and a missed practice Wednesday, Hill was back in full pads and moved around well.
But the receiver who's caught everyone’s attention lately was once again Mecole Hardman, who caught a couple of deep passes for touchdowns during team drills.
Fellow receiver Demarcus Robinson has also stepped up as he looks to fill a role left open after Sammy Watkins’ departure this offseason.
"Just being able to move into his spot and get some of (Watkins') catches," Robinson said. "Trying to gain that confidence with Pat through the training camp. Just kind of up my tempo a little bit."
Receiver Antonio Callaway, who's played with first and second team offense, tweaked his left knee about midway through Thursday's practice. Andy Reid said they'd "take a look at it" a bit later during the day Thursday.
Elsewhere, safety Juan Thornhill and tight end Nick Keizer returned to practice Thursday, while linebacker Willie Gay is in concussion protocol. Right tackle Mike Remmers (back) and defensive end Alex Okafor (hamstring) were also held out Thursday.
Reid says Remmers continues to do well in his recovery.
Malik Herring (knee) and safety Deandre Baker did not practice either. Andy Reid said they're giving time for Baker to rest after he underwent leg surgery in January after an injury against the Chargers in Week 17 of last season.
More linemen battles
Time will tell once the actual games roll around, but thus far, rookies Trey Smith (right guard), Creed Humphrey (center) and Lucas Niang (right tackle) have held their own on the offensive line in one-on-one drills against veteran D-linemen like Jarran Reed and Frank Clark.
Reid notes that Niang, a third-round pick out of TCU, has been especially impressive while filling in for the injured Remmers.
"He's out there and battling like crazy," Reid said of Niang. "He's going against good players on our defensive front, so he's getting good looks and he's holding his own. I appreciate his effort."
Joe Thuney (LG) and Orlando Brown (LT) have also worked for the first-team O-line. Thuney came over from the Patriots and Brown from the Ravens in the offseason.
On the defensive side, Chris Jones continues to shine and Joshua Kaindoh, a fourth-round pick out of Florida State, had some great go-rounds Thursday, too.
Devon Key
An undrafted free agent out of Western Kentucky, Key has been subbing in with the first-team defense and is making progress. He was tasked with covering Hardman early in team drills, and Hardman did catch a deep ball over him.
However, Reid says Key has "good smarts and instincts." Key said he spoke with Reid on the phone shortly after the draft was finished, and the head man expressed interest in bringing Key on board.
Pads come off Friday
The team will take a break from full-pads Friday, will rest altogether Saturday and put the pads back on Sunday - just in time for 'Family Fun Day' at training camp.
"I think the competition has been good," Reid said of full pads practice. "We've had a lot of one vs. one, two vs. two and three vs. three. You're getting good on good and that I think is important to help get you better."
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