Tag: Chiefs camp

Third-year Chiefs DB’s thoughts on cornerback two: ‘It’s always been healthy competition’

Kansas City #Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson’s thoughts on cornerback two: ‘It’s always been healthy competition’ | @EdEastonJr

The return of Jaylen Watson to practice from injury adds another talented player to the Kansas City Chiefs secondary ahead of their second preseason game.

After returning from his torn labrum injury, Watson spoke with the media about his mindset in competing for the second cornerback spot.

“It’s a new year; with LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) leaving, there’s a spot open for everyone, so everyone has goals for themselves,” said Watson. “Just try to make a name for yourself and let the world know who you are.”

Watson is entering his third season and has contributed to the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl titles with his play. In Super Bowl LVIII, Watson recorded two tackles and recovered a muffed punt, leading to the Chiefs’ first touchdown.

“It’s been fun. Everyone thinks this is something new; yeah, cornerback two, but we’ve been doing this for three years.” Said Watson. “It’s always been healthy competition. We always root for each other’s success. Whoever’s going to take the spot is going to be (worthy) of it.”

Watson is still recovering from his injury but remains focused on winning the second cornerback spot. Getting on the field consistently could help him in his pursuit.

Chiefs OC Matt Nagy comments on the progress of Justyn Ross, Kadarius Toney in camp

Kansas City #Chiefs OC Matt Nagy comments on the progress of Justyn Ross, Kadarius Toney in camp | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are going into their second preseason game this Saturday, still figuring out their plans for the wide receiver position before the start of the regular season.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy updated the media on Tuesday regarding the play of Justyn Ross and Kadarius Toney in practice. Both players compete for the remaining wide receiver spots on the final roster.

“Justyn’s (Ross) making plays. He’s out there. He made a great catch there, down the sideline again, just continuing to grow (and) not make the same mistake twice for Justin; I love his attitude.” said Nagy. “He’s been very involved and really enjoying his process. And then Kadarius (Toney), again, (the) same thing. It’s making sure he’s just got to get healthy and get out there so that we can see him and see the reps.”

Ross and Toney are viewed as players on the bubble trying to improve their stock ahead of final cuts. Injuries have hampered both players as they seek to make a strong impression on Nagy and the coaching staff.

“We understand that we have our first and second group of guys that you guys have seen out there in different quarters; whoever that is, go ahead and use the competition to make a play,” said Nagy. “So I think it could, possibly, be different every game. We’ll wait and see.”

The injury to ‘Hollywood’ Brown opens up more opportunities for the other receivers trying to make an impression.

Xavier Worthy opens up about making NFL debut vs. Jaguars

Xavier Worthy opened up about making his NFL debut in the #Chiefs’ loss to the #Jaguars during comments to reporters at training camp. | @EdEastonJr

As the Kansas City Chiefs’ first-round selection in this year’s NFL draft, Xavier Worthy knows his performance will be watched closely.

He shared his thoughts with reporters after practice on Monday on adjusting to life in the NFL, including training camp, the playbook, and his first pro game.

“The toughest challenge for the camp, I feel like, (is) just the playbook. I feel like I got really adapted to it. I’ve been in the playbook really all day (and) all night,” said Worthy. “Understanding the little bits, the formations, the motions. Understanding what everybody else has just so I could – what if I am in that position? So, just understanding all of that, I feel like that really helped me in this training camp.”

Worthy didn’t record a catch during Saturday’s preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he did experience the speed of an NFL game.

“Coming into the league, it’s different speeds at all levels. High school has their own speed, college has their own speed,” Worthy explained. “Obviously, in the NFL, everybody is smarter; they move, (and) they adjust better. So just me knowing that I kind of just – if I feel like I had more plays, I’d be able to get a rhythm going into the game, but I feel like I adapted to the game speed pretty well.”

Worthy won’t have long to wait before he can play another game as the Chiefs return to action on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium against the Detroit Lions.

Chiefs rookie describes being mentored by veteran DB Justin Reid

#Chiefs rookie Jaden Hicks told the media that veteran DB Justin Reid has taken him under his wing during training camp. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ opening preseason game was missing several veteran players due to injury. The absent starters allowed rookies more opportunities to experience their first NFL game in Saturday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Chiefs rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks spoke with reporters on Monday after practice about his first NFL game and learning from starting safety Justin Reid.

“It was amazing seeing all the guys getting ready for the game,” said Hicks. “Getting all the jitters out as well. But yeah, it was good. Good atmosphere.”

Hicks earned a reputation for being a versatile defensive back during his college career, a trait that was viewed highly by Steve Spagnuolo and veteran defensive players. He spoke about taking this from Reid, who returned to practice Monday for the first time since his injury.

“He’s been amazing so far, coaching me, learning what he’s learning. He’s showing me how to see plays and attack block stuff like that. So he’s been such a helpful guy in the room.” said Hicks, who anticipates Reid’s full return to contact practices soon. “(He) put the helmet on today.”

Hicks will hope for more opportunities and less jitters when he has his first home game at Arrowhead Stadium this Saturday against the Detroit Lions.

Xavier Worthy ‘watched a lot of Devin Hester’ to prepare for Chiefs’ KR role

Xavier Worthy told reporters that he is watching film of #Bears legend Devin Hester to prepare for his role as the #Chiefs’ kick returner | @EdEastonJr

The addition of speedy wide receiver Xavier Worthy to the Kansas City Chiefs opens the door to more options to utilize him as a game-changer.

Worthy spoke with reporters after Monday’s practice, expressing his strong interest in being involved in punt returns.

“They kind of just took me off and sat me down for the day, but yeah, I’m ready to get my first punt return going,” said Worthy. “I wanted one of those punt returns for sure definitely. But they took us off the field, I was like dang, I can’t get a punt return; so I mean, it was messed up, but I understand.”

Worthy played sparingly in the preseason opener, as the focus was more on his performance as a wide receiver. He didn’t get the opportunity to return to the game but is expected to get chances during the regular season.

“I’m definitely gonna be back there returning,” said Worthy. “We watched a lot of Devin Hester; he just entered the hall of fame. Coach (Dave Toub) coached him. So it was amazing just to have a coach (who) coached him and understand the tools it takes to be great back there.”

Hester’s accomplishments as a punt returner earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame, which motivates the speedy Worthy as he continues to carve out a role on the team.

Andy Reid reflects on Mecole Hardman’s brutal mistake that led to safety vs. Jaguars

Andy Reid shared his thoughts about Mecole Hardman’s mistake that led to a safety in the #Chiefs’ preseason loss to the #Jaguars on Saturday. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ first preseason game of 2024 is over. They lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 26-13 on Saturday, but not without some confusion about the new kickoff rules.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid discussed the unusual safety last Saturday during his post-practice press conference on Monday.

“We’re on top of the kickoff and the (new kickoff) rule – it’s a little different than last year, so the ball normally goes in the endzone (and) it’s a dead ball, and that’s not how it is this year,” Reid explained. “(The ball) goes in and comes back out (and) you can’t scoop it back in, obviously. Again, they’re (the league) still looking at all of this, so we’ll see where it goes from here.

“I think it was good for the officials to see it(and) I think it was good for us to see it. We understood the part of it where if it (the ball) goes in, it’s still alive. Again, that’s similar to the sideline where you can be outside (of the lines) and reach back in – that part got clarified; it’s not like that, so that’s a live ball.”

During the play, Mecole Hardman and Deneric Prince were back to receive. The latter let the ball sail over his head, assuming a touchback, but it dropped in the end zone and bounced out to the 1-yard line. Hardman then ran into the end zone, kneeled down, and grabbed the ball, resulting in a safety after the game referees deliberated.

“(Number) 34 (Deneric Prince) should have taken it and gone,” said Reid. “Then, Mecole (Hardman) was trying to make it right, but what Mecole should have done was picked it up and gone, but listen, that’s not his – that’s our responsibility for making sure that it’s clarified.”

Reid took responsibility for the mishap, but it is preseason and the best time to make and fix mistakes.

Carson Steele wants to be a ‘Swiss Army knife’ in Chiefs offense

#Chiefs rookie RB Carson Steele told reporters that he wants to be a “Swiss Army knife” in Andy Reid’s offense this season. | @EdEastonJr

On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs had their first opportunity to see multiple young players make their NFL debuts, giving coaches an early indication of what they can offer the team.

Chiefs rookie Carson Steele is listed as a running back but has garnered attention as a potential fullback if he makes the final roster. After an impressive preseason debut over the weekend, he spoke with reporters on Monday after practice to address his role on the team.

“My main goal is trying to be like a Swiss army knife, try to do it all type of deal,” said Steele. “Wherever they need to put me in is where I can get in. And so, like they were saying, implementing the fullback in there as well as being able to block, especially catch out of the backfield, too, not only just being able to run.”

During Saturday’s preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Steele had four rushes for 29 yards and a touchdown, proving he can dominate in short-yardage situations. Steele opened up about his potential role on the team as a fullback, which drew him to sign with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent.

“Coach Reid has had his fullbacks before. They didn’t have one last year, and talking with the coaches and stuff as I got picked up was the kind of thing we talked about,” Steele explained. “Coming in on packages, third and one, third and twos, and being able to be a bigger guy and block, especially catching out of the backfield, as well.”

The Chiefs went last season without a fullback and haven’t had one since Michael Burton’s departure a few seasons ago. Steele appears eager for any opportunity and is willing to embrace the new role as a fullback.

Andy Reid’s latest update on ‘Hollywood’ Brown: ‘He’s going to be back’

Andy Reid gave reporters an update on Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown’s latest injury after practice at #Chiefs training camp on Monday. | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid provided the much-anticipated update to the media on Monday about ‘Hollywood’ Brown’s injury status. The newly signed Chiefs wide receiver spent time in the hospital early after he left Saturday’s preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Hollywood (Brown), they were able to get the joint back into place without surgery, which is a positive,” said Reid. “Then we’ll just see how the recovery is back in Kansas City now. He stayed over in Jacksonville until they got that thing situated.”

Brown suffered a sternoclavicular joint dislocation during his lone series with the first team to start the game, drawing comparisons to Tyreek Hill’s injury in 2019 while he was a member of the Chiefs. The positive result of not needing surgery is a sigh of relief as Reid would go on to discuss plans without the veteran receiver for the immediate future.

“The positive there is that he’s going to be back, without him in there. His experience and in that in the league, but we’ve also got other guys who can step in and play well, we will be okay there,” said Reid. “It’s just we’re pulling for him to get back on. We’ll see how that goes.”

Brown is unlikely to appear again in the preseason and will be evaluated before the Chiefs start the regular season on September 5th against his former team, the Baltimore Ravens.

Chiefs newcomer eager to make impact during the preseason

On Friday, Carson Wentz told reporters about his mindset heading into the Chiefs’ three-game preseason schedule. | @EdEastonJr

The preseason schedule typically allows teams to fine-tune their playbooks ahead of the regular season and give lesser-known players a chance to earn their spot on an NFL roster.

The Kansas City Chiefs will be playing their starters sparingly in their three-game exhibition schedule, opening the door for players on the bubble and backups to showcase their talents in front of an audience.

Chiefs quarterback Carson Wentz spoke with reporters on Friday after practice to discuss how excited he is to get playing time ahead of his first season in Kansas City.

“I’ve done this for a while. I’ll play as much or as little as the coach asks us,” said Wentz. “I’m in a different situation than I’ve been in the past, so I’m excited for whatever opportunity comes my way, and I’ll be ready.”

Wentz reflected on his time spent as a backup with the Los Angeles Rams last season when he appeared in two games after being signed on November 8.

He won his lone start at the end of the year, finishing 17 of 24 with two passing touchdowns and a rushing score.

“I think that tail in the last year getting that one game experience in the new system, all those things last year, although it was the last game of the year, and it was some of the backups and all that stuff,” said Wentz. “I still think that was really valuable and important for me, especially being out for half the year and all that, so right now, I’ll be ready.”

Wentz’s experience and ability to play well without consistent time on the field was another factor in his signing, as the Chiefs need a veteran who can step in and get the job done immediately if necessary.

Chiefs star talks 2024 Summer Olympics at Chiefs training camp

George Karlaftis talked about the 2024 Summer Olympics during a press conference at #Chiefs training camp this week. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs players have made it no secret that in between practice sessions at training camp, many are either playing ‘College Football 25’ or tuning into the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Chiefs defensive lineman George Karlaftis caught up with reporters after Friday’s practice to talk about his support of his girlfriend at the Olympic trials recently and the country he is rooting for this summer.

“It was awesome,” Karlaftis said of his partner’s performance at trials in Oregon. “She (Kaia Harris) was at the Olympic trials. She finished ninth, so it was amazing to be able to support your partner like that. It was awesome, it’s a super cool sporting event.”

Karlaftis is known for his furious playing style. Last season, he eclipsed the ten-sack mark for the first time in his young career. Later in his comments to the media, the third-year defender made it clear that he is focused on preparing for the new season at training camp, but has taken pride in watching Greece in this summer’s Olympic games in Paris, France.

“I watched a little bit of the Olympics. I was watching Greece beat up on Australia this morning before we got ready for practice. You’ve got to have a little bit of fun still,” said Karlaftis. “But yeah, it’s been mostly blinders…but I’ll sneak some Greek Olympics here when I can.”

Karlaftis will look to take another step forward in his growth as an anchor on the defensive line and continue his impactful pass rush.