By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
The first week of Chiefs training camp is in the books, and the team gets a day off Sunday before going again Monday.
Head coach Andy Reid says the pads will go on for the first time Tuesday, but so far, he’s liked the effort from the team.
"They're working through this and doing a nice job," he said. "But, you know inevitably they look forward to getting the pads on down the road. You don't hear much of that, because they're glad to be out here doing what they're doing."
The Chiefs have been practicing in just helmets, jerseys and shorts so far.
On the injury front, tight end Travis Kelce returned to practice Saturday with his helmet and took part in individual drills, but not 7-on-7, or 11-on-11. Same with linebacker Anthony Hitchens, who’s returned to practice since tweaking his hamstring on Wednesday, but he’s been a limited participant.
Also, right tackle Mike Remmers was out Saturday with back spasms, and linebacker Ben Niemann left practice early with a sore hamstring.
One person who’s not been limited though is running back Jerick McKinnon - an eight-year pro who has spent time with the Vikings and 49ers before signing a one-year deal with the Chiefs in April.
McKinnon has impressed, getting lots of reps with the first and second-team offense, and showing the ability to catch passes out of the backfield.
"He's a talented receiver," Reid said. "He's been doing this a long time, especially for a running back. For him to have been in it and doing it this long, he brings great experience. But, he sure has a knack for the pass game."
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has said he believes McKinnon can be a key part of the offense moving forward.
"I think he's going to be a playmaker," Mahomes said. "I've seen it from day one right when he got in here. The way he's able to run the ball, but also catch the ball out of the backfield. I mean, he's a true playmaker that I think will be a huge part of our offense."
McKinnon missed all of 2018 and ‘19 with knee injuries, but was a full participant in 2020. When he became a free agent, McKinnon says the Chiefs seemed like the best fit.
"You know, this is the team that most intrigued me," he said. "So, I decided to come here. It's a good-character locker room, and they have a lot of good athletes. So, I thought I'd just come in and see where I fit in."
Offensive line
With Remmers out at right tackle, rookie Lucas Niang worked with the first team offense Saturday, along with two other rookies - Creed Humphrey at center and Trey Smith at right guard.
While it's too early to come to any conclusions without pads on, all three of them seemed to hold their own against the first team defense. While experience is nice, Reid doesn't seem too bothered by the fact that he has a few rookies leading the way up front.
"The young guys have done a nice job," Reid said. "They've stepped up and they've been working their tail off. It's been a good exercise with very few mistakes."
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