By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The Kansas City Chiefs concluded their final training camp practice of 2021 on Wednesday morning - their 16th practice over the last 22 days at Missouri Western.
Head coach Andy Reid had high praise for the University and the city for their hospitality in that time.
"We appreciate the people here," Reid said. "They did a great job, which they always do. We just appreciate the hospitality that St. Joe, the city, and Missouri Western State University has given us."
In terms of on-the-field work, Reid was very pleased with the effort his team has shown.
"Job well done," Reid told his team, "for what we needed to get done here. We've got to keep going. It's not done here, but we have to keep rolling. Their effort and attitude and everything was good and I appreciated that. As did the coaches."
Defensive end Chris Jones says the team learned a lot about themselves, and about each other, over the last three weeks, and coming back to St. Joseph was a huge benefit.
"I think it was great for us," Jones said. "To build that chemistry amongst the locker room and also on the field. When you have to spend 17-18 days together, you learn a lot about each other, you know?"
Training camp was confined to Kansas City without fans last year due to COVID-19. While Jones appreciated being back, he and the rest of the team are eager to head home.
"St. Joe has been amazing to us," Jones said. "But, I think it's about time for my own house, you know? I love the dorms. Amazing program that (Missouri Western) is running here, the faculty, staff and cafeteria has been amazing, and the people around the facility have been amazing. I appreciate Missouri Western for giving us the opportunity to come back."
This marked the 11th year of training camp in St. Joseph. The Chiefs now head back to Kansas City as they prepare for the next preseason game this Friday at Arizona. Kick off in that game is set for 7 p.m.
Linebacker Willie Gay, who didn't get to play last Saturday against San Francisco, is now feeling 100 percent coming out of concussion protocol.
He's excited to play again, and just wants himself and others in his position group to have fun and make plays.
"I just want to see guys having fun," Gay stated. "Don't think too much on it. Don't think too much about not messing up. Just go play ball and have fun. Enjoy the moment."
Coach Reid said Wednesday that the starters will play in the first half, with second and third-team players entering during the second half.
Injury update
The Chiefs leave St. Joseph fairly healthy. The only players who didn't practice at all Wednesday were Laurent Duvarney-Tardif (hand), Kyle Long (knee) and Malik Herring (knee).
Reid said both Long and LDT are "doing well" in their current rehab.
Frank Clark (hamstring) and Derrick Nnadi (hip flexor) began practice, but both left early. Reid said neither injury is serious or long-term.
With Clark and Nnadi sidelined, Mike Danna and Khalen Saunders saw reps with the first-team defense Wednesday.
Offensive line
This will obviously be something to watch moving forward, but Mike Remmers ended camp getting most of the reps with the second offense at left tackle, while rookie Lucas Niang has assumed starting right tackle duties for now.
Niang is overall happy with how his position group has progressed over the last few weeks.
"We've come together fast," he said. "We've got a ways to go, but we're doing a good job. Everybody is communicating, getting on the same page. We're gelling as a group, so that's something to look forward to."
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