Under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, NFL teams are capped at 16 padded practices during training camp and the preseason, with no more than three consecutive padded practices permitted. This forces head coaches like the Kansas City Chiefs’ Andy Reid to get creative with scheduling.

On Sunday, Reid ran his third extended practice in as many days — but the players dressed in shorts and shells, carefully staying within the assigned restrictions.

“We were non-pads, but we had a nice long practice with it, got a lot done for a non-padded practice,” said Reid. “Part of the league rules on what you’ve got to do, what you can do and can’t do. This was one of those days that we had. So with that, progress [is] being made.”

Improving in the red zone

Sunday’s workout featured several periods in which Patrick Mahomes and the offense started in the red zone. In 2024, Kansas City finished 21st in red-zone scoring percentage (55%). On defense, it ranked 11th (54%).

“Red zone, third downs — these things, you can always get better at them,” said Reid. “So even though we were one of the top third-down teams, well, you’ve got to be better at that. On both sides of the ball, we did well. Red zone, we did pretty good there.

“In certain situations — down and distance — we got a lot of second and third-down plays today, which end up being important. You don’t get a lot of work on that in the red zone, so we tried to focus on that throughout there.”

State of the offensive line

So far in training camp, left tackle Josh Simmons, center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith have taken nearly every snap at their respective positions.

After Jawaan Taylor’s activation from the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list, Jaylon Moore has spent three days rotating with Taylor at right tackle and one day rotating with Kingsley Suamataia at left guard.

Moore could push to win either position, but Reid wasn’t ready to make any decisions on Sunday.

“We feel like we need all of them,” said Reid of the offensive linemen. “They’re rotating and doing that, and we’ll just see. We’ll see who the two are at the end when we get done with it.”

Through 11 days, Simmons has been the story of camp, seeming to be the long-awaited answer for Kansas City at left tackle. Simmons has spent many practices battling against fellow rookie Ashton Gillotte. Both players have collected wins in these matchups.

Reid sees the healthy competition as one of the grand positives of camp thus far.

“It’s one thing you see with the rookies because they do a couple of different things before we actually get them out on the field,” explained Reid, “where they’re together at these different functions, and so there’s a certain pride in your rookie class and how you’re going to establish yourself.

“When they compete — those two are competitive guys — they get in there and bang it around a little bit. I think it’s all healthy. They’re friends, so it works out off the field, but they’re both trying to chase a starting spot and see what they can do there.”

The back-end wide receiver battle

The Chiefs are expected to keep five receivers for sure: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jalen Royals. With that considered, there are realistically four other wideouts who could push for a role or two, depending upon Rice’s anticipated suspension.

So far in training camp, both Tyquan Thornton and Jason Brownlee have seen time with Mahomes, and they are making the most of their opportunities.

“I think they’re doing a nice job,” said Reid. “You saw Brownlee with a couple of high balls there. Thornton’s doing a nice job too, likewise. So, both are big guys. Thornton is a runner, and Brownlee is a big, strong kid — little different styles, but both of them are good players.”

Observations

Pete Sweeney was present for Sunday’s practice. You can find his complete observations by clicking here.

Injury report

• Returned to practice: WR Skyy Moore (stretch and individual only)
• Out of practice (due to injury): TE Jake Briningstool (out with hamstring since 7/26), WR Hollywood Brown (out with ankle since 7/30), S Deon Bush (out with hamstring since 7/29), LB Drue Tranquill (out with back since 8/2), TE Jared Wiley (out since 8/2)
• Left practice early (due to injury): N/A
• Non-football injury (NFI) list: DL BJ Thompson
• Physically unable to perform (PUP) list: CB Kristian Fulton (out with knee since 7/22)

Post of the day

Our John Dixon compiled all of Sunday’s posts here. Here is the post of the day:

The Gillotte-Simmons rookie rivalry continues.

Quote of the day

Wide receiver Jalen Royals on fans and the “Let’s go Royals” chant: “Yeah, every time I walk in, it’s all I hear. It’s been amazing.”

What’s next?

Sunday’s practice leads into a day off for the team on Monday before another workout on Tuesday at 9:15 a.m. Arrowhead Time. Following the practice, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will address the media as quarterbacks, running backs and specialists sign autographs.

Here’s the complete 2025 training camp schedule.