Early Chiefs training camp takeaways
The Kansas City Chiefs have barely gotten through the early stages of training camp, but the biggest takeaway is already really easy to see: Patrick Mahomes looks like Patrick Mahomes again.
Every report coming out of camp suggests the quarterback is moving around well and showing no obvious signs of being limited by the knee injury that ended his previous season. It’s still training camp, and nobody should be handing out awards in August, but there’s little reason to spend much time worrying about Mahomes right now.
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So, let’s look at other developments. First-round defensive tackle Peter Woods made a strong impression once the pads came on, showing why Kansas City invested such a high pick in him. The Chiefs need him to become an important part of the defensive front, and early signs suggest he could have a chance to make an impact immediately.
Then there’s Kahlil Benson, an undrafted rookie who is suddenly making a serious push for the starting right tackle job. That’s the kind of training camp development that can quietly become a huge story. If Benson actually wins the job, Kansas City will have found real help in a place where it wasn’t necessarily expected.
The wide receiver situation is a little more complicated. Rashee Rice getting into team drills this week was an encouraging development for a group that has already dealt with some injuries. Xavier Worthy is dealing with a shoulder issue, while Cyrus Allen has a bone bruise in his shin.
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At one point during 11-on-11 work this week, Mahomes’ completions went to Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, Andrew Armstrong and Jimmy Holiday. That’s not exactly the collection of names you’d expect to see carrying the passing game for the Chiefs, which shows how quickly the depth chart can get tested in August.
Rice’s return can’t come soon enough. For now, though, Kansas City has more reasons for optimism than concern.
