Chiefs training camp notebook: Chris Jones gives update on defensive end transition

On Tuesday, Kansas City Chiefs defensive line coach Brendan Daly told reporters that defensive lineman Chris Jones’ transition to defensive end-first is a “work in progress.” On Wednesday, Jones had the opportunity to provide his own update.

“Defensive end is a little different because you’re more so on the island, yourself,” he explained. “It’s just you and the tackle, and you have so much space in between you and the next guy on the field. It’s a little different, but I like it. It’s not that bad.”

Jones described his process in learning the new position, starting by picking the brain of teammate Frank Clark.

“He teaches me a lot,” explained Jones of Clark. “We talk a lot. We’re very close, and I look at J.J. Watt, of course. And Cam Jordan, guys who succeeded in this league and excelled at the position. I look at Myles Garrett — just a few of the guys that I also pay attention to, but I’m also still paying attention to the D-tackles.”

Jones saw 11 defensive reps in the Chiefs’ initial preseason game, lining up at defensive end on first and second downs, then shifting back inside on third down.

Jones’ seven-yard sack of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance came on a third-and-18 rep in which he was lined up at defensive tackle.

“I’ve been eager to get back on the field and hit someone else other than Pat Mahomes and the freaking offense,” said Jones, smiling. “Because coach (Andy) Reid’s play-calling is far-fetched. You know, running streams, boots, and you might come back with a jab-duel. It’s different. So, to be able to play somebody that’s regular is fun.”

Jones believes that moving from position to position will provide a significant advantage for the entire defensive line.

“We can scheme up offenses — we can find great matchups on the inside or outside and I can be able to play off of that,” said Jones. “Bringing [Jarran] Reed in has been a great acquisition to our defensive line. He’s a stellar guy, and we’re trying to work off each other.”

Jones and Reed have spent 19 practices together in St. Joe — and with training camp breaking Wednesday, they will continue building their chemistry back at the facility in Kansas City.

“I think St. Joe has been amazing to us, but I think it’s about time for my own house,” joked Jones. “I love the dorms, amazing program that they’re running here. The faculty staff in the cafeteria has been amazing. The people around the facility have been amazing.

“I appreciate Missouri Western for giving us the opportunity to come back — it’s been what? Two years? Two or three years since we had the opportunity to come back. But I think it’s about time for us to get back to KC.”

Observations

• The weather in St. Joseph Tuesday morning was clear, with the temperature in the low-70s to start the workout at 8:15 a.m. With the next preseason game ahead, the Chiefs once again participated in a 10-10-10 practice. It was Military Appreciation Day.
• As a reminder, in a 10-10-10 practice, the team goes through a lighter workout and cycles through 10 offensive plays, 10 defensive plays and 10 minutes of special teams. The first-team offense is served by the second-team defense and vice versa.
• Both unit leaders — quarterback Patrick Mahomes and safety Tyrann Mathieu — looked to have solid mornings.
• Lucas Niang remained the first-team right tackle, with Mike Remmers continuing his reps as the second-team left tackle.
• Mike Hughes also kept his position at right outside cornerback in the nickel, with Deandre Baker at left cornerback and Rashad Fenton at right cornerback on the second team.
• After practice, head coach Andy Reid had two key notes: first, he confirmed that offensive lineman Kyle Long indeed had surgery to repair his left tibia, and he outlined the plan for the Chiefs’ second preseason game, set to take place this Friday in Arizona against the Cardinals.
• Reid on the Chiefs’ playing time in preseason game two: “We’ll go a half — somewhere thereabout — with the starters and then the twos and threes will take the second half, which is the third and fourth quarter. We’ll just split it up there.”

Press conferences (Spotify)

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Injury report

• Did not practice/not in pads (due to injury): Defensive end Frank Clark (hamstring), right guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (hand), defensive end Malik Herring (ACL), right guard Kyle Long (tibia), Derrick Nnadi (hip flexor)

Tweet of the day

Our John Dixon compiled all of Wednesday’s tweets here. Here is the tweet of the day:

Quote of the day

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid on wrapping up training camp: “We appreciate the people here (in St. Joseph); they did a great job, which they’ve always done, and we just appreciate the hospitality — St. Joe, the city and Missouri Western State University — has given us. And I’m sure you guys feel the same way. It’s a nice setup.”

What’s next?

The Chiefs are off Thursday to travel to Arizona, where they will play the Cardinals on Friday at 7 p.m. Arrowhead Time. Practice will resume in Kansas City on Monday.