The Kansas City Chiefs are in the final stretch of their training camp, and there's a lot to unpack as we head into the last week of practice. From injury updates to depth chart surprises, let's dive into the key takeaways from Day 15.
Injury Updates and Returners
One of the most notable developments is the return of CB Mansoor Delane, who was a full participant in practice for the first time. Delane, who has been dealing with a shoulder blade injury, was back in the starting lineup during the 11-on-11 team period. This is a positive sign, and it seems the Chiefs are cautiously optimistic about his progress. Head Coach Andy Reid mentioned that Delane's healing is looking good, but they'll monitor his extended play to ensure he doesn't reaggravate the injury.
Another player making a comeback is DE Ashton Gillotte, who was back in pads after missing most of training camp due to a hamstring injury. His return is a welcome sight for the Chiefs' defense, especially with LB Drue Tranquill sidelined with a back injury.
Depth Chart Shifts
The depth chart is a fluid concept, and the Chiefs' recent performances have led to some interesting shifts. RB Emmett Johnson, who had a standout game in the preseason opener, seems to be moving up the depth chart. Coach Reid praised Johnson's effort and ability, and he was given more opportunities during practice. While he's not yet the clear-cut RB2, his performance has certainly caught the coaches' attention.
On the defensive side, second-year players Jeffrey Bassa and Ashton Gillotte were inserted into the starting lineup. With Tranquill out, Bassa and Gillotte got a chance to showcase their skills, and Bassa, in particular, tied for the second-most tackles on the team in the preseason Week 1 game.
Offensive Line Adjustments
The Chiefs made some intriguing adjustments to their starting offensive line. With Trey Smith out, Kahlil Benson shifted back to the starting right tackle spot, and Jaylon Moore moved inside to play right guard. Coach Reid explained that they wanted Benson to get some work at right tackle and that Moore had been performing well at guard. This move also highlights the Chiefs' depth concerns at the guard position, as they're looking to give players like Benson and Moore valuable experience.
Potential Depth Concerns
Practice injuries could pose a challenge for the Chiefs' depth at two key positions. OT Esa Pole and LB Jack Cochrane both left practice early, which could leave the team short-handed at offensive tackle and linebacker. If these injuries are serious, the Chiefs might need to make roster moves and bring in new players to bolster their depth.
Final Thoughts
As we approach the end of training camp, the Chiefs are dealing with a mix of positive developments and potential challenges. The return of key players like Delane and Gillotte is a boost, but the injury concerns and depth issues at certain positions could test the team's resilience. It'll be interesting to see how the Chiefs navigate these final days of camp and how it impacts their performance in the upcoming preseason games.
