The 2026 NFL training camps have kicked off around the league, and our team reporters are on the ground each day following all the action. The Kansas City Chiefs' camp is taking place at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, and Chiefs reporter Nate Taylor has the latest intel on standouts, highlights, position battles, depth chart movement, cut decisions and, of course, the quarterbacks room.
What follows is everything we are seeing and hearing at Chiefs camp. We will update this file often. Can coach Andy Reid get the Chiefs back into the playoffs? Who are the breakout players to watch, especially for fantasy football? And which players on the roster bubble could make the final 53?
Dive into all the updates and be sure to check back for more information until the first full week of the preseason begins Aug. 13.
Camp updates for all 32 NFL teams
Latest news from Chiefs camp
Rookie wideout Cyrus Allen an early star of Chiefs training camp
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As training camp opens, Chiefs point to brighter future in 2026
Tuesday, Aug. 11
One player fans should be interested to see in Saturday's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams is receiver Andrew Armstrong.
A second-year player who was cut last year by the Miami Dolphins, Armstrong joined the Chiefs in January and has been impressive throughout training camp. When fellow receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy were out last week, Armstrong had several highlights with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the first-team offense.
"I've been out there being the best I can be and learning," Armstrong said after Tuesday's practice. "One of the main goals is being trustworthy for the quarterback. I'm trying to build that with [Mahomes].
"This has been my favorite team since I was a little kid. I really wanted to be around a serious environment and this is an extremely serious environment. I love that."
Armstrong is in a tight competition with second-year player Jalen Royals for the sixth and potential final receiver spot on the initial 53-man roster. If Armstrong performs well against the Rams, he could gain a sizable lead in the battle.
"Oh, it's going to feel great, just looking and seeing all the red," Armstrong said of playing inside Arrowhead Stadium. "It's different playing on a [video] game than in real life. I know it's going to feel amazing."
More observations:
The players who missed Tuesday's practice were right guard Trey Smith (hip), cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (rest), linebacker Drue Tranquill (lower back spasms) and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (right knee).
Before Tuesday's practice, the Chiefs agreed to sign defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah to a one-year deal. A 10-year veteran, Ogbah was with the Chiefs in 2019, the year the team won the Super Bowl. "I always had an affection for E," defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "I've always periodically been in touch with him. If he's part of our group, I'll be excited about that."
Monday, Aug. 10
With just seven practices left in training camp, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes appears to be close to having his full complement of receivers on the field. For the first time in camp, Monday's on-field work featured Mahomes' top four receivers -- Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton and rookie Cyrus Allen.
Worthy, who missed last week's practices with a sprained right shoulder, was the lone receiver who didn't participate in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 reps. He could be a full participant later this week ahead of the preseason opener Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.
In the 7-on-7 period inside the red zone, Allen showed his ability to improvise in the middle of one play to get behind linebacker Nick Bolton for an 11-yard touchdown. A few minutes later, Rice caught a 6-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone against tight coverage from Nohl Williams.
Mahomes had several reps with his top three receivers being Rice, Thornton and Allen alongside tight end Travis Kelce and running back Kenneth Walker III.
More observations:
The players who missed practice were right guard Trey Smith (hip), cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (rest), linebacker Drue Tranquill (lower-back spasms) and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (right knee).
For the first time in camp, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane was in pads and cleared to participate in 7-on-7 periods, although he was still wearing a noncontact yellow jersey for the shoulder injury he sustained in May that forced him to miss the mandatory minicamp in June. In Monday's practice, Delane had two quality reps, where he covered Kelce and the other against Thornton inside the red zone. "He did a nice job with that," Reid said of Delane.
For the third straight practice, Kahlil Benson, the undrafted rookie from Indiana, had his reps at right guard in place of Smith. Jaylon Moore, the five-year veteran, played at right tackle with the first-team offense. "I think it's good for him to have some flexibility to do both [positions]," Reid said of Benson, who began camp at right tackle. "We worked him a little bit in there in OTAs and liked what we saw. This gives him real competition in there now where [defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo] is throwing a lot of different things at you, so you have to be able to adjust. It'll do nothing but help him, even at the tackle spot once he jumps back there."
Saturday, Aug. 8
More than halfway through camp, the Chiefs finally had a practice where multiple players had physical altercations. Coach Andy Reid doesn't want his players to fight, but he designs the Chiefs' camp to push the players, both physically and mentally.
This was the sixth consecutive practice before an off day Sunday. After an 11-on-11 repetition, defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah and left guard Kingsley Suamataia, who kept engaging him after the play was over, got into it. Suamataia even threw a punch with his right hand while several teammates were trying to separate him and Anudike-Uzomah.
"It's kind of unusual, and we haven't done that in the past," special teams coordinator Dave Toub said of the Chiefs' six straight practices. "It was a little bit of a grinder. It was chippy. That's how you know. It's hot and that's football sometimes."
Toward the end of practice, the first-team offense was in the middle of the long-drive drill -- a period in which the projected starters had 16 consecutive repetitions -- when running back Kenneth Walker III became frustrated with safety Alohi Gilman. Walker felt Gilman hit more than was necessary when he had the ball near the sideline. After the repetition, Gilman put his face mask directly in front of Walker's. When Gilman shoved his teammate, Walker threw the ball at him and tackled him, which forced multiple teammates to separate them.
"Going against the same guys and just being competitive, I think that's what's been great about this camp," quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. "It's super competitive on both sides, so little scuffles here and there but nothing crazy. As long as we keep it like that and keep competing, that's where you get the best team you can get."
Other observations:
The players who missed practice were right guard Trey Smith (hip), cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (rest), linebacker Drue Tranquill (lower back spasms), defensive end Ashton Gillotte (strained right hamstring), defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (right knee) and receiver Xavier Worthy (sprained right shoulder).
For the second consecutive practice, Kahlil Benson, the undrafted rookie from Indiana, had his repetitions at right tackle in place of Smith. Jaylon Moore, the five-year veteran, played at right tackle with the first-team offense.
Rookie receiver Cyrus Allen, who missed four practices with a left shin injury, participated in the 7-on-7 periods but was held out of 11-on-11 repetitions. Rashee Rice, the Chiefs' No. 1 receiver, participated only in the individual period and left the field early to receive more treatment on his right knee, the same knee he had surgery on in May to remove loose debris that was causing inflammation.
Toub revealed Saturday that his top kickoff returners are receiver Nikko Remigio and running back Brashard Smith. "Brashard has taken a really nice step as far as a punt returner," Toub said. "He's catching the ball a lot cleaner. Nikko just keeps getting better. [Allen] was doing a good job up until he got hurt. Now he's back out there catching again, so we've got to continue to develop him."
Boys, I'm a K9 guy. pic.twitter.com/66WQpsfUsU
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) August 8, 2026
Friday, Aug. 7
One player who is having a steady camp for the Chiefs is defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the team's 2023 first-round pick. For most of this week, Anudike-Uzomah has had his reps with the first-team defense, a result of him replacing Ashton Gillotte, who sustained a strained right hamstring in Monday's practice. Rushing from the left side, Anudike-Uzomah has had several strong 11-on-11 reps in which he has won the one-on-one battle with right tackle Kahlil Benson, an undrafted rookie out of Indiana.
"His get-off is what jumps out to me," Reid said of Anudike-Uzomah. "He's bringing power with it. It's one thing to run around people, but there's a point, as a defensive end, you've got to physically blow things up a little bit. He's worked hard at that."
Almost a year ago, the Chiefs had to place Anudike-Uzomah on season-ending injured reserve because of a strained right hamstring he sustained in the preseason -- an injury that required surgery. The Chiefs are hopeful that he can be a reliable contributor in the final year of his rookie contract.
Anudike-Uzomah shared after Friday's practice that he believes he is the healthiest he's been since he entered the NFL.
"I feel good, so I'm rolling," Anudike-Uzomah said. "I'm happy to work. Adversity happens with everybody. It's just how you respond."
More observations:
Rookie receiver Cyrus Allen, who missed the past four practices with a left shin injury, returned to the field, but he was allowed to participate only in the individual period. "We're just easing him back in," Reid said. "He did a good job when he was out there, so that's a positive."
The players who missed Friday's on-field work were Gillotte, right guard Trey Smith (hip), cornerbacks Kristian Fulton (hip) and L'Jarius Sneed (rest), linebackers Drue Tranquill (lower back spasms) and Jeffrey Bassa (strained groin), defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (right knee), and receiver Xavier Worthy (sprained right shoulder). "One positive about all these injuries is there's nothing that the guys aren't coming back from," Reid said. He later added of Smith: "We sent him to a specialist just to have it checked out. He's going to be OK."
Thursday, Aug. 6
The Chiefs had a light practice Thursday, the first such on-field work after three consecutive days in pads. The most significant change was that backup quarterback Justin Fields had his first 11-on-11 reps with the first-team offense, an indication that he might be the starter when the Chiefs have their preseason opener next Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams.
"I've been learning a lot since I've been here and I'm excited to learn more, especially [coach Andy Reid] and [quarterback Patrick Mahomes]," Fields said. "They definitely taught me a lot."
Reid has yet to share if Mahomes, who has surgery in December to repair the torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, will be held out of the preseason, which would be a first in his 10-year career. During Thursday's practice, Fields spent time completing passes to running back Kenneth Walker III and receivers Rashee Rice, Tyquan Thornton and Andrew Armstrong.
"I'm ready to get back on the field and in game mode, to be honest," Fields said. "It should be fun for the guys that are going to get out there and especially the rookies."
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Rashee Rice, the Chiefs' No. 1 receiver, participated in 11-on-11 repetitions, a positive sign that his acclimation process is going well. In May, Rice underwent surgery on his right knee to remove loose debris that was causing inflammation. Since camp began, the Chiefs have been cautious with Rice's participation.
Most of Rice's work was during the red zone period, where he had several short receptions, including a bubble screen on the perimeter and a touchdown in the back of the end zone. When Mahomes targeted Rice in the back corner of the end zone, Rice couldn't make a leaping, contested catch against cornerback Nohl Williams.
It's clear Rice will need time to get into true football shape, as he showed fatigue before the long-drive drill, the final 11-on-11 repetitions. During that period, Rice was held out of the first-team offense's 12 repetitions.
"He got a lot of good reps today, which is important," Reid said of Rice. "We've just got to ease him back in and just keep working. We know he's a good player. He actually got better as the practice went on, so that was a good thing."
Other observations:
Linebacker Drue Tranquill missed his first practice of camp with lower back spasms. During the second half of Wednesday's work, Tranquill did some light strength work off the side with the training staff.
The other players who missed Wednesday's on-field session were cornerback Kristian Fulton (hip), linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (strained groin), defensive end Ashton Gillotte (strained right hamstring), defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (right knee) and receivers Cyrus Allen (left shin) and Xavier Worthy (sprained right shoulder).
Tuesday, Aug. 4
For the second consecutive day in pads, Kahlil Benson, the undrafted rookie right tackle from Indiana, performed well, even better than Monday, after once again receiving all of the repetitions with the first-team offense.
In the first 11-on-11 period, Benson showed strong run-blocking skills by executing a double-team to move defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga back. The repetition finished with Benson also blocking linebacker Nick Bolton, which created more space on the right side of the field for running back Kenneth Walker III. A few minutes later, Benson blocked defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah in pass protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to connect with receiver Tyquan Thornton for a completion for more than 30 yards.
"He's done great," Walker said of Benson. "We've got pads on now and you get to see how well he's doing out there. He's going to have a great impact on this team."
Benson's work, on the field and in meetings, has pushed him to have true competition with Jaylon Moore, the five-year veteran, for the starting right tackle role.
In the final 11-on-11 period, Benson didn't lose any of the five repetitions with the first-team offense. His matchups included Anudike-Uzomah, pass rusher Chris Jones and rookie defensive end R Mason Thomas.
"We'll give you a chance here to learn, but if you start making [mistakes] consistently, then we've got a problem," Reid said Monday of Benson. "But he's been doing a good job. There's a hiccup here or there, but he fixes them normally."
More observations:
The players who missed Tuesday's practice were cornerback Kristian Fulton (hip), defensive end Ashton Gillotte (strained right hamstring), defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (right knee) and receivers Cyrus Allen (left shin) and Xavier Worthy (sprained right shoulder).
Receiver Rashee Rice (right knee) participated in 7-on-7 repetitions for the second straight day, this time catching a short pass from Mahomes against zone coverage. For the first time in camp, cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, a six-year veteran, participated in 1-on-1 drills and 7-on-7 repetitions.
Joe Bleymaier said he has talked with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy the past few days. For more than a week, Bleymaier, the pass game coordinator, has taken over Bieniemy's duties as offensive coordinator during his absence. He left the Chiefs after his wife, Mia Bieniemy, 57, was hospitalized in stable condition last week after being allegedly shot by the couple's son, Elijah Zion Bieniemy, 27, at the family's home in Virginia. "We miss EB, obviously," Bleymaier said. "It was great to hear from him, just on a personal standpoint. You're so devastated for him. He's been reaching out more and more lately with some of the football stuff, so that's kind of brought a little sense of normalcy back. As far as the [acting] offensive coordinator, calling in the plays and just making sure some of the administration stuff is handled has been the biggest thing."
One of Mahomes' best repetitions was during the first 11-on-11 period, when he, under centerCreed Humphrey, rolled to the right on a play-action pass, completing an intermediate throw to Thornton while on the move. "We're not going to put any limitations on what Patrick can do rather than maybe emphasizing what we're going to try to do more," Bleymaier said of Mahomes, who had surgery in December to repair the torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. "We're really trying to eliminate holding him back -- or 'Let's not put him in this situation.' Everything is open. -- under center, rolling left or right, the whole playbook."
Monday, Aug. 3
Among young players, the biggest winner from the Chiefs' first padded practice was rookie defensive tackle Peter Woods, the second of the Chiefs' first-round picks.
In the 1-on-1 period, Woods had highlight repetitions, winning quickly in both of his matchups against backup guard Hunter Nourzad, a three-year player. When Woods went against right guard Trey Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler and a five-year veteran, the teammates split their two repetitions. The rookie used his quickness to push Smith back by gaining leverage using his right hand.
"Peter is really talented, man, in terms of his hand utilization, speed, power," Smith said after practice. "He's really sort of the full package type of guy. He's young and he's figuring out the game, but he has a willingness to learn.
"I've really enjoyed the way he's stepped into this program. He definitely has an outstanding future. I'm just really excited to help him in his development where I can."
Selected with the 29th pick, which the Chiefs gained from the Los Angeles Chargers through the trade involving cornerback Trent McDuffie, Woods has been impressive in creating havoc at times for running backs by bursting through the offensive line just a second after the snap. The Chiefs are hoping Woods can be effective in 1-on-1 matchups while playing next to star pass rusher Chris Jones.
"I've liked what I've seen," coach Andy Reid said of Woods. "He's an explosive kid, he's smart and he's learning, trying to hone in on some of the techniques we're asking him to do. I like his effort. He's got a ways to go, but you sure like the tools."
On offense, left tackle Josh Simmons, a second-year player, was able to demonstrate his improvements. In 1-on-1 repetitions against defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Simmons stonewalled his teammate multiple times. Even rookie defensive end R Mason Thomas, who is known for his speed, was unable to get around Simmons.
"Josh is just so freaking talented," Smith said. "He's really aspiring to be a great player. He's hungry for it. He's really been putting a lot of work in, and he's going to continue to develop. He's a great dude. I'm really excited to keep watching him grow."
The lone pass rusher who was able to push Simmons back with a powerful bull rush was defensive end George Karlaftis.
"Josh is a great player," Karlaftis said. "He's strong as an ox and he's got feet like a ballerina. He's very talented. We've had our battles and we've talked. This is what this period is for, for getting better."
More observations:
The players who missed Monday's practice were defensive end Ashton Gillotte (strained right hamstring), defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (right knee) and receivers Cyrus Allen (left shin) and Xavier Worthy (sprained right shoulder). Reid said he expects Allen and Worthy to return to practice later this week. Receiver Rashee Rice (right knee) participated in one 7-on-7 repetition late in Monday's practice.
Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane (right shoulder) was held out of 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 repetitions. "He's a tough nut," Reid said of Delane. "A lot of guys probably wouldn't go out there and play with what he's got, but he wants to be out there. He wants to learn. That's what he wants to do. But we've got to keep him out of contact. Right now, that's important until that thing heals up."
One surprise was that the second running back to receive repetitions with the first-team offense was second-year player Brashard Smith, not three-year veteran Emari Demercado. "I know he can run the ball and he's good with the ball in his hands, catching the ball," Reid said of Smith. "Can you do all the small things that a running back has to do with [pass] protection and the intricacies of the routes, the different routes we have for him? Let's see how we've improved, protection being the big one."
The primary nickel with the first-team defense was Chris Roland-Wallace, who had an interception against quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who targeted receiver Tyquan Thornton quickly on a blitz. With Roland-Wallace as the nickel, Chamarri Conner, a three-year player who had the role last season, played all of his repetitions Monday at safety. "I can do a lot of things," Conner said at his new position. "I like to come in and fit the run game and then get back and play in space. I'm able to see the field more. I like playing safety. It's exciting."
Saturday, Aug. 1
In the four days of the Chiefs' camp, one factor for the defense has already materialized: Rookies Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas are showing they can be capable contributors.
Throughout Saturday's practice, Woods, the first-round defensive tackle, and Thomas, the second-round defensive end, have been featured on several 11-on-11 repetitions with the first-team defense. Woods had a strong performance, winning multiple repetitions against undrafted rookie right tackle Kahlil Benson. On the edge, Thomas has displayed his speed to get close at times to quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
"I'm excited about the young talent we have on the D-line, man," star pass rusher Chris Jones said. "A lot of explosiveness. Peter is coming along and [R] Mason is doing his thing. We haven't put the pads on yet, so I'm excited to put the pads on Monday and see where we stand."
Defensive end Ashton Gillotte, a second-year player and projected starter, missed Saturday's on-field work with a strained right hamstring, an injury he sustained Friday. The player who had the most first-team repetitions in Gillotte's place was Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the 2023 first-round pick. Anudike-Uzomah missed all of last season with a right hamstring injury that he sustained in the preseason.
"Felix is finally healthy," Jones said. "I think that was the main part. [With] a healthy Felix, now we're able to see the first-round talent that we drafted and him being able to broadcast his skill set."
1:58Why Graziano believes Chiefs could see a Week 1 return for MahomesFriday, July 31
For the second consecutive practice, Kahlil Benson, the undrafted rookie right tackle from Indiana, was with the first-team offense. The difference from Thursday is that coach Andy Reid allowed Benson to take all of the first-team reps, which is a bit of a surprise since five-year veteran Jaylon Moore entered camp as the projected starter.
"He's done a nice job," Reid said of Benson. "He's learning. Very strong and powerful, good feet, good athletic ability. He's working at the consistency part, scheme-wise. Physically, he's got all the tools. He'll just keep working at it and we'll see where it goes, but he's got a lot of talent."
Reid suggested that he wants to keep Benson atop the depth chart so that he can see how the rookie performs against the Chiefs' top defensive ends -- George Karlaftis, Ashton Gillotte, R Mason Thomas and Felix Anudike-Uzomah -- next week during the team's first padded practices.
"Can you pound through those 2½-hour practices in the heat with the pads on?" Reid said. "And then, you've got the preseason game. How do you handle that? It's a long road, but we'll see how he does. But up to this point, my hat goes off to him."
More observations:
Thursday, July 30
A trend to watch throughout camp is how often the Chiefs have quarterback Patrick Mahomes operate the offense from under center Creed Humphrey.
Last season, most of the Chiefs' snaps with Mahomes were with him in the shotgun, using that element in 80.6% of their formations (excluding quarterback kneel-downs) which was the third most in the NFL, according to TruMedia. But during Thursday's practice, Mahomes was under center more than half of the time during the first team period -- 11-on-11 reps -- against the first-team defense. The looks allowed coach Andy Reid to see how running back Kenneth Walker III carried the ball between the tackles -- his preferred running style -- and how Mahomes did executing play-action passes.
"Under center stuff is fun," Humphrey said. "When we get the chance to do it, I have a lot of fun with it. We're excited about what we're doing right now and where this offense is headed."
In the second team period, Mahomes was pleased with the result of a screen pass to Walker from out of shotgun, a rep that led to the running back having plenty of open field to gain additional yards.
"He's a dynamic player, a freak athlete and great with his reads," Humphrey said of Walker. Humphrey later added this on the Chiefs' screen game: "It's just focusing on the details in practice, locking down exactly what we need to do and what we're trying to accomplish with each screen. We're getting the reps [we need] with the new backs just to get that cohesion."
More observations:
QB1 said 👉 @PatrickMahomes pic.twitter.com/Cg1oTgjP3z
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 30, 2026Wednesday, July 29
The Chiefs had their first full-team practice of training camp Wednesday and new receivers coach Chad O'Shea is likely not going to be thrilled when he rewatches film.
O'Shea's position group was the team's most disappointing during the 90-minute session. The first team period -- 11-on-11 reps -- began when quarterback Patrick Mahomes found receiver Tyquan Thornton open in the middle of the field. But he dropped the pass.
The wideout who struggled the most was second-year player Jalen Royals. Royals fumbled a few steps after he caught the ball on the perimeter, as safety Chamarri Conner used his right hand to punch the ball out. The rep ended with Conner recovering the ball and sprinting down the field along the sideline. A few minutes later, Royals was late turning his head to locate Mahomes' pass on an intermediate route, leading to an incompletion.
"He's got a good feel for the game," Reid said of Royals. "He's just got to keep on with the reps and make sure he's got a good relationship there with Pat and keeps developing that."
The only receiver standout was rookie Cyrus Allen, the Chiefs' fifth-round pick. On two reps, Allen was able to get open quickly for Mahomes against zone coverage, including one inside the red zone in the 7-on-7 period.
"Cyrus had a good day," Reid said. "I think Pat's got some trust there. We've got a long way to go, but we've just got to keep going, keep growing. He's got talent and he's been able to retain [information]."
Rook's already making plays.@PatrickMahomes x @cyrusallen_ pic.twitter.com/1hWVv0tcdh
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 29, 2026More observations:
Monday, July 27
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was given his usual rest day Monday, the final practice for quarterbacks and rookies to get acclimated to training camp ahead of the first full-team session Wednesday.
Mahomes performed well in the two practices to begin camp. As he continues to rehab and recover from his left knee injury, Mahomes demonstrated that he can run at a faster pace than what he displayed earlier this summer during the Chiefs' offseason program. In the individual periods, Mahomes was able to roll to his left and right before throwing the ball downfield.
When the Chiefs open Wednesday's on-field work, Mahomes is expected to be in the huddle with the rest of the offense's projected starters, most notably tight end Travis Kelce, running back Kenneth Walker III and receivers Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton.
Sunday, July 26
One of the highlights at practice Sunday was during the 7-on-7 period inside the red zone. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes surveyed the field and then completed a pass to rookie receiver Cyrus Allen, who made a leaping catch in the back of the end zone between two defenders.
"It's still a surreal moment for me because I used to play the [Madden NFL] game with Pat a lot," Allen, the Chiefs' fifth-round draft pick this year, said of Mahomes. "I'm pretty familiar with what he [does]. That was my favorite team."
Allen will compete throughout camp against Nikko Remigio and Jalen Royals for the No. 4 receiver role. Sunday's highlight was a positive sign for Allen, who used his route-running ability -- one of his best traits -- to make himself available against the defense's zone coverage.
"Everything is pretty much timing," Allen said. "This [isn't] college anymore. This is big-boy ball. I'm on his time, and everything is very precise."
Coach Andy Reid spent a few minutes giving Allen one-on-one coaching between repetitions, too. Allen said Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy have tasked him to work on his pre-snap awareness so that he can better anticipate the secondary's coverage to make quicker decisions on how to best run his route.
"They don't play," Allen said of Reid and Bieniemy. "Everything is intentional and process-oriented. Coach EB is definitely pounding us every day with our [jersey] tucked in. Everything is pretty structured."
More observations from the day:
Saturday, July 25
Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane, the Chiefs' top draft pick this year, participated in Saturday's practice while wearing a noncontact yellow jersey usually worn only by quarterbacks, a precaution for him since he missed the mandatory minicamp with a shoulder injury.
During the 7-on-7 periods, Delane had repetitions at both of the cornerback spots. One of his best coverage moments was when he effectively smothered undrafted rookie receiver Jeff Caldwell down the field's perimeter. Delane, though, also knew he had some first-day mistakes.
"The first day is always ups and downs," Delane said, smiling. "I'm a guy if I lose reps, it motivates me to get better. That just means I've got more room to grow. I almost get excited about those things, but at the same time you don't want the same mistake to keep happening."
We are so back. pic.twitter.com/ZwrgTuai5W
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 25, 2026Delane is projected to be a starter for longtime defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, a player tasked with helping replace Trent McDuffie, who was traded this offseason to the Los Angeles Rams. Spagnuolo made sure to let Delane know he'll be a main focus of his teaching over the next month.
"I'm the guy they picked first," Delane said of the Chiefs drafting him at No. 6. "I'm a guy who likes to be the underdog even though I feel the spotlight could be on me. I still have an underdog mindset, but I'm competing to get a starting job."
One of the best passes Saturday from quarterback Patrick Mahomes was at Delane's expense. In the red zone 7-on-7 period, Mahomes threw a perfect intermediate pass to receiver Jimmy Holiday, who caught a 20-yard touchdown in the back corner of the end zone with Delane trailing in man-to-man coverage.
"[He's] as advertised," Delane said of Mahomes. "He's a great quarterback."
More observations from the day:
Reid said cornerback Mansoor Delane, the Chiefs' top draft pick, could shed the non-contact yellow jersey in the next few days. Delane has worn the yellow jersey in each practice as a precaution for him since he missed the mandatory minicamp in June with a shoulder injury. "He wants to do everything, but we're not allowing him to use that [right] arm," Reid said of Delane. "He's out there playing kind of one-handed. We're keeping an eye on him. It's great for him because he's got to work his feet and techniques. It actually works to his benefit in the long run."
Gillotte, the second-year player, left Friday's practice early with a strained hamstring. "We got him out of there and started his rehab and MRI and all of that stuff," Reid said. "I don't think it's too bad."
One significant change in the lineup Thursday was that undrafted rookie tackle Kahlil Benson had several reps at right tackle with the first-team offense. The switch allowed five-year veteran Jaylon Moore to work as the left tackle with the second-team offense. "He's a really hard worker," Humphrey said of Benson. "You can tell [football] is important to him, so he shows up every meeting, walkthrough, lift with the right mindset. He's a really strong player, his punching power. He's really technical, too, so we're excited about him."
A small new detail Thursday was that Ashton Gillotte, who's projected to start at defensive end, had a few reps at the linebacker position and other reps as an interior pass rusher next to rookie defensive end R Mason Thomas. "We're experimenting with a bunch of things," longtime defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said of Gillotte. "We'll do that with him. I'd like to be able to see if there's anybody in the DL group that can do other things. We would take [former linebacker] Leo Chenal and put him with the D-line once in a while. This is part of finding the versatility in guys."
Second-year cornerback Nohl Williams has been the team's best cornerback so far. In the 7-on-7 period in the red zone, Williams made a nifty interception against Mahomes in which he jumped in front of receiver Tyquan Thornton inside the end zone.
In the nickel competition, four-year veteran Kader Kohou was given an opportunity to play with the first-team defense. Mahomes' best pass Thursday was when he completed a deep pass against a Cover 0 blitz to receiver Xavier Worthy, who sprinted away from Kohou and into the end zone for a 50-yard touchdown.
Reid said receiver Rashee Rice and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed left the practice fields after their individual periods to have more of a rehab day with the training staff inside the indoor facility. "It was all positive and it was planned," Reid said. "We'll gradually ramp them up as we go."
Reid said Ethan Downs, a second-year defensive end, had surgery Tuesday to repair the torn ACL in his left knee, an injury that ended his season. The Chiefs also put undrafted rookie tight end John Michael Gyllenborg (knee) on the injured reserve list, ending his season.
On defense, rookie cornerback Jadon Canady, who has played mostly from the nickel position, has started camp well, including breaking up a pass Sunday. Canady also had a diving interception Saturday when backup quarterback Justin Fields targeted undrafted rookie Xavier Loyd near the goal line. "I grabbed my man, stayed attached to his hip and the ball came out," Canady said. "From there, you know, it's pretty much, 'See ball, get ball.'"
Ethan Downs, a second-year defensive end, missed Sunday's practice with an apparent left knee injury. During Saturday's 7-on-7 period inside the red zone, Downs immediately reached for his left knee after he made contact with rookie running back Emmett Johnson near the goal line.
Before Saturday's practice, the Chiefs put defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (right knee) and tight end John Michael Gyllenborg (sprained knee) on the physically unable to perform list. "Big guys with ACLs, it takes a little bit of time to get them back and fully strengthened up and ready to go," Reid said Friday of Norman-Lott, the 2025 second-round pick. "We've just got to keep the strength part of it coming with him."