Highlights from the first day of Kansas City Chiefs training camp with reporting by our own Pete Sweeney (follow Pete @pgsween).
Where’s Tamba? The PUP list
LB Tamba Hali was not spotted at the first practice on Friday afternoon which led to some speculation something was wrong given his tweets in the past week. However, the Chiefs say he is in St. Joe but is starting on the PUP list. He started on the PUP list last year as well. This comes on the heels of Tamba saying he was healthy and wanted to play more. Speaking of Tamba’s tweets, Eric Berry and Justin Houston didn’t seem concerned about them.
Mahomes is the third quarterback
Pete reported that QB Patrick Mahomes was third in line behind Alex Smith and Tyler Bray. That’s the order they were in during OTAs and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s the order they’re in for most of camp. The Chiefs seem determined to let Mahomes sit.
Speaking of Mahomes (this is called a segway), Pete’s podcast on him:
Cornerback battle update
The Chiefs top position battle seems to be cornerback. On Friday, Pete reported it was Steven Nelson who lined up outside opposite Marcus Peters. When they went to subpackages, Nelson slid inside and Terrance Mitchell went outside. That’s the way it was last year. Not a shocker there but I expect plenty of competition at that position.
Promising start for Demarcus Robinson
Andy Reid highlighted WR Demarcus Robinson earlier this offseason and it appears he did so for a reason. Pete tweeted on Robinson’s performance:
Very early on I'm getting the impression that Demarcus Robinson is gonna be a thing, you guys
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 28, 2017
Robinson has a shot to be the Chiefs No. 3 receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Chris Conley. I’M REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself with the all caps. A receiver, you guys!
Ramik up next to DJ
The Chiefs traded away LB DJ Alexander to Seattle and received Kevin Pierre-Louis in return. Speaking of that position group, Ramik Wilson lined up next to Derrick Johnson on Friday, Pete said. The Chiefs re-signed Josh Mauga and drafted an inside ‘backer in Ukeme Eligwe so there will be some competition there.
Charcandrick West looks good
Pete said that Charcandrick West looked a little faster. Chark said this offseason that he quit Skittles (despite him showing up to camp with a big Skittles duffle bag) AND he said that he had lost 10 pounds. He should also be motivated with the Chiefs drafting a back ahead of him in Kareem Hunt.