Chiefs’ vets report to training camp, rookies already trying to make an impact

The Kansas City Chiefs know exactly what they have returning from last season.

They know what Patrick Mahomes, the two-time league MVP, can do under center. They are quite familiar with how much tight end Travis Kelce means to the offense. And they know that their defense, which allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL last season, returns mostly intact after shutting down San Francisco in their latest Super Bowl triumph.

So as veterans reported to training camp Friday at Missouri Western State University, the reality for Kansas City might be this: Its chances of a record third straight Lombardi Trophy could hinge on players that are new this season.

Specifically the rookies, who reported to camp Tuesday for a few extra days of work before the veterans arrived.

“There’s no easing,” Mahomes said of the first-year players. “It’s time to go now.”

Like most general managers, Brett Veach often preaches about taking “the best player available” during the NFL draft, and if that was the case, the Chiefs were mighty fortunate in April. The players they selected also filled some of their biggest needs on both sides of the ball, and they are being counted to step into important roles almost immediately.

Tops on the list is Xavier Worthy, the fleet-footed wide receiver out of Texas, who broke the record in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine but was slowed throughout voluntary summer workouts by a nagging hamstring injury.

Worthy pronounced himself ready to go this week, and he has been getting plenty of reps with a compression wrap on his still-recovering hamstring. That is good news for Kansas City, which plans to use his game-breaking speed to stretch defenses down the field in a way that Mahomes has not been able since Tyreek Hill was running routes for him.

“I definitely feel like there’s no time to ease in. I mean, it’s all go,” Worthy said. “Once you’re here, you’re here. I understand what Pat’s saying, and just to build that connection with him is going to be…

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Publish date : 2024-07-19 19:02:58

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