By MATT PIKE
It was another hot and humid day as Kansas City Chiefs rookies and quarterbacks were on the Mosaic Life Care Practice Fields at Missouri Western State University ahead of the start of Training Camp.
Another just under two hour workout saw no injuries. Two players who left practice early on Saturday, offensive lineman Josh Thompson and linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, returned to practice. Ethan Downs however appeared to still be absent after suffering an apparent leg injury during 7-on-7 drills.
While the Chiefs addressed defense heavily in the draft, there is also hope this year to improve the offenseive attack. A poor rushing attack last season led to a complete reshaping of the running back room this offseason. Gone are Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, insert Kenneth Walker, Emari Demercado, and fifth round pick Emmett Johnson.
Johnson in the early days of camp has shown he could be a receiviing threat out of the backfield, something the Chiefs offense has lacked, and something Johnson says he's excited to provide.
"Love it man, just being a receiving threat out of the backfield in the NFL is big," Johnson tells reporters after practice. "Just showing them what I can do and then showing them that they can rely on me in the pass game is something I take big pride in."
One man the young players have loved having back is offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. While some around the league have said the coaches way to lead can be a bit much, at times, a consensus from the rookies has been him pushing them is what they need.
"He wants the best for me at the end of the day," Johnson says. "I’m not going to take anything personal. I pride myself on hard coaching, so I really love that he’s here. He’s pushing me to be better every single day.”
Fellow fifth round pick wide receiver Cyrus Allen out of the University of Cincinatti joked that both Bieniemy and head coach Andy Reid don't play around during practice. When asked how exactly, Allen says that Bieniemy does everything with intention.
"Everything is process oriented and we did that a lot at Cincy, so coming back into it and coach EB is definitely pounding us every day with our shirt tucked in, everything is pretty much structure," Allen explains.
While the Chiefs rushing attack was at its worst last season, the passing attack was also porous at times. A speedy receiver like Allen hopes to help in the receiving group opening up space for Patrick Mahomes, who Allen says has taught him that everything he can do to help him, is about timing.
"This aint college no more this is big boy ball, so everything is pretty mcuh timing and I'm on his time," Allen says. "Everything is very precise in this league because they've got other good players too."
Both Allen and Johnson have also worked and impressed in the special teams. Allen says he wants to play in all four phases of special teams, whatever it takes to help the team, while Johnson knows that special teams is one way that you can ensure that you have a spot on the team come week one.
Back on the defensive side of the ball, addressing a depleted secondary, on top of drafting Mansoor Delane, the Chiefs also added cornerback Jadon Canady in this years draft.
A fourth round selection, Canady is learning Steve Spagnuolo's scheme to fill a hole at the nickle corner, replacing Chamarri Conner to push him abck to the safety position.
Canady says his experience transitioning from college to a Spags scheme feels a little different, after playing at three different schools.
Going from Ole Miss to Oregon. (Head) Coach (Dan) Lanning, (Head) Coach (Pete) Golden, run the same very hard defense, and I am coming in there, first year, having to play right away and learn right away," Canady says. "So, you know I am glad I went through that to make this easier but definitely hard as well here. Not going to lie to you.”
Canady will compete with the likes of Jaden Hicks as well as newly signed Kader Kohou when veterans report to St. Joseph and camp officially begins on Wednesday.
Chiefs rookies and quarterbacks have one more practice tomorrow at 9:15am prior to the official start of camp.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.