Past NFL training camps for the Kansas City Chiefs have seen position battles for reserve spots on the depth chart. This year the opportunities are limited with no minicamps, OTAs and preseason games in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Every team around the league has made the necessary adjustments to prepare for the new season. Some of the new changes agreed upon by the NFL and NFLPA include cutting down rosters earlier than expected. Teams have also been limiting reps for players not expected to start in the upcoming season. Recent free-agent quarterback signing Jordan Ta’amu is battling for the backup role behind Patrick Mahomes and has managed to keep the interest of head coach Andy Reid, despite the challenges of this unique offseason.
“Tough time to come in as a quarterback, in a year like this,” said Reid, ”but Jordan’s worked his tail off. It’s evident to all of us that he has spent the time working. We have a lot of words that are calculated in these plays that you have to be able to spit out in a short period of time and he does that well. Then, he’s strong. He’s a strong body and he has a strong mind, and that normally leads to good things. Now, how many reps is he going to get during this time? We’re short on practices for the year—these first five practices, we’re short on time, period, on the field—so he might not get as much time as we ramp up here. But his time will come down the road, but I sure love his attitude.”
Reid spoke highly of the former XFL star. When the Chiefs re-signed Matt Moore, a reliable backup who started two games in relief of Mahomes last season, it made it that much more difficult for Ta’amu. Without the opportunity to truly showcase his ability against NFL talent, Ta’amu faces an uphill battle during training camp and into the 2020 season. He might not be favored in the current climate, but hard work doesn’t go unrecognized and can take Ta’amu a long way in this league.
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