Recap of Chiefs' July 29 practice: Patrick Mahomes shines in pads, but injury fears for rookie Omarr Norman-Lott cast a shadow. Get the full report.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The unmistakable sound of pads popping echoed through St. Joseph today, signaling the true start of the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 campaign. In the team's first padded practice, Patrick Mahomes looked every bit the maestro, dissecting the defense with patience and precision. But as the offense found its rhythm, the trainer's room began to fill, casting a familiar shadow of concern over an otherwise promising day.
The urgency is there... We can’t get complacent. We know what it takes.
With the offensive line providing a clean pocket, Patrick Mahomes was in his element. He patiently waited for plays to develop, most notably connecting with tight end Noah Gray on a perfectly executed pass that highlighted the offense's focus on situational football. Even the running backs got in on the action, with Kareem Hunt delivering some key blocks that didn't go unnoticed. It was a crisp, competitive session that saw the offense win its fair share of battles, a welcome sight for a unit looking to build early momentum.
Chiefs Kingdom collectively held its breath when rookie defensive lineman Omarr Norman-Lott went down with an ankle injury. Thankfully, initial reports indicate he avoided a serious setback, a huge relief for a team counting on him in the d-line rotation. The news wasn't as clear for others. Tight end Jake Briningstool is now questionable for Week 1 with a hamstring issue, while two key starters, OT Jawan Taylor and new CB Kristian Fulton, officially opened camp on the PUP list with knee injuries. The team is optimistic they'll return by Week 2, but their absence opens the door for depth players to prove their worth.
The injuries to Briningstool, Taylor, and Fulton, combined with the looming suspension for Rashee Rice and Jared Wiley's ongoing ACL recovery, are already forcing the front office to think hard about the final 53-man roster. The wide receiver and tight end rooms are particularly under the microscope. With key players sidelined, the next few weeks of practice become a critical audition for young players vying for a spot. Every rep counts as the team searches for reliable depth at crucial positions.
The intensity on the field isn't accidental; it's a mandate. Linebacker Nick Bolton made it clear when speaking to the media, emphasizing the need to avoid the complacency that can follow success. 'The urgency is there,' Bolton stated, highlighting the healthy but fierce competition between the offense and defense. After a season hampered by injuries, the entire squad is motivated to stay healthy and focused. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of minimizing turnovers and maintaining focus through every drill.
Today was a microcosm of any training camp: flashes of brilliance mixed with the harsh realities of the sport. While Mahomes' sharp performance gives fans plenty to be excited about, the growing injury list is a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. The coming days will be crucial for evaluating depth and seeing who steps up to seize the opportunities created by these absences. The pads are on, the battles have begun, and the road to defending the throne is officially underway.
