ST. JOSEPH, Missouri — The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the first NFL teams to put on full pads in training camp leading up to the 2024 season.

Last season’s first day of pads was without star defensive tackle Chris Jones and saw tight end Travis Kelce trade jabs with teammates in practice.

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This season, there is a lot less drama surrounding the team on the first day of pads. On the field, that is. NFL insiders expect a suspension to come down on wide receiver Rashee Rice for his offseason arrests at some point.

But on the field, the big talking points are the profound return of the deep passing game on offense, the left tackle battle between second-round rookie Kingsley Suamataia and second-year fourth-round pick Wanya Morris, and the development of second-year first-round defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah.

The first-team offense struggled a bit on the first day.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ deep throws to rookie Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown have already gotten fans excited in non-padded practices.

Throughout the one-hour, 45-minute practice, most of Mahomes’ connections were to short routes across the middle. His deeper passes were either overthrown or not in the area of the receiver.

The offense was out of sync, but that is to be expected on the first day of pads when defensive line play and physical contact turns unpadded football into the real deal.

“Obviously, we missed on some today,” Mahomes said after practice. “We’ve hit on some earlier in camp, but that’s what we’re doing it for. We’re out here to practice, try to shoot the ball down the field. Going against one of the best defenses in the National Football League with [Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo] and them. I feel like guys have done a great job of building. We’ll continue to get better and better with building chemistry as camp goes on.”

The left tackles also had their highs and lows of the first day of pads.

Suamataia got the start at left tackle and was impressive in the run game, especially in zone-blocking schemes. Mike Caliendo started at left guard while Suamataia’s pass protection left things to be desired. Veteran Mike Danna and Anudike-Uzomah both beat him in team periods and in one-on-one pass rushes. But he also had some pass protection wins as well flashing all of the qualities that were on his scouting report.

“I thought he had a good day today,” Mahomes said. “First day in pads, first day of third and long, Spags bringing his blitzes. Obviously I haven’t gotten to see the tape yet but for the most part, he’s getting better every day and that’s all you can ask for with a young guy.”

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“He’s working through some things and learning,” head coach Andy Reid said. “As long as he keeps working—and this goes for all of them—they keep working, they’ll be fine.”

Anudike-Uzomah had a very impressive day with his pass rushes. He got home into the backfield for a sack on Mahomes from a stunt.

Reid noted that Anudike-Uzomah looked more confident and improved his get-off leading up to this year’s training camp. As a rookie, he missed a portion of offseason workouts after having hand surgery.

He was healthy this offseason and joined teammate George Karlaftis in working with Chiefs legendary pass rusher Tamba Hali. After an underwhelming rookie year where he collected a half sack, the Lee’s Summit alum is looking forward to turning a new leaf in Year 2.

“At the end of the day, I’m here to work. This is my job,” Anudike-Uzomah said. ‘”At the end of the day, last year is last year and I’m just focused on what I got to do this year.”

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Other notes

QB Carson Wentz and the second-team offense had a productive day in the passing game. He connected with Kadarius Toney on three straight plays, who was being guarded by Kelvin Joseph.

The highlight of the day was Wentz connecting with Justyn Ross on a fade in the endzone for what may or may not have been a touchdown because of Ross’s feet. The referees who officiated practiced ruled it a touchdown.

The defense ruled the day overall though, especially in the run game. Defensive tackle Neil Farrell impressed by collapsing his side of the line several times in the run game. DT Tershawn Wharton also showed up in the run game and quality pass rushes against right guard Trey Smith.

Rugby star turned running back Louis Rees-Zammit also got his first taste of real football in pads.

The Chiefs offense also utilized hurry-up offense in team periods which could trickle into their game-day strategy at some point.

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Cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder), DT Derrick Nnadi (elbow), WR Justin Watson (foot, day to day), Thuney and DE Charles Omenihu (knee) are all recovering from injuries and did not practice.

The Chiefs will practice in pads through Monday and they get an off day on Tuesday.

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