Chiefs Training Camp: Four Andy Reid takeaways after Day 1 on July 21

On Sunday morning, the Kansas City Chiefs conducted 2024’s first full training camp practice in front of thousands of amped-up fans at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph.

Afterward, head coach Andy Reid met with reporters to discuss how things went on Sunday — and during the three rookie/quarterback practices the team held before the rest of the veterans checked in on Friday afternoon.

We have rounded up his thoughts in four takeaways.

The head coach isn’t kidding when he says his team depends on veteran leadership.

Somewhat famously, Reid runs a tough, uptempo camp. And if the rookies haven’t figured that out, the veterans are happy to explain it to them.

“You have to be able to run,” observed Reid, “and sustain your speed throughout practice. So from that standpoint, the veteran players take care of that. They tell [the rookies] that if I’m standing up there telling them that you’ve got to be in good shape, then you’d better believe it, right? So for the most part, the guys ran well yesterday in the testing. So it looks like they’re in pretty good shape.”

The team will not be afraid to use anyone as a punt returner.

While observing Sunday’s practice, Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney noted that first-round draft pick Xavier Worthy, veteran Mecole Hardman, second-year wideout Nikko Remigio and third-year wide receiver Skyy Moore were all returning punts. It’s not surprising to see rookies and reserve players getting that kind of work — but marquee signing Hollywood Brown was shagging some, too.

“We give everybody a chance back there,” said Reid, “and he’s so talented. But if you get a couple-three guys that can do that — [and] you feel comfortable with them — that’s a pretty good thing. So we asked him to get back there. He wants to do that. He wants to play — and he’s got a great attitude.”

We probably shouldn’t expect to see Brown out with the punt team very often. But just as he used to do with Tyreek Hill, special teams coordinator Dave Toub always likes to have a trick up his sleeve — just in case.

The head coach is happy to have Carson Wentz as his backup quarterback.

On Friday, Kansas City’s third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun put aside a college rivalry long enough to praise the team’s new veteran backup — who came to the NFL from North Dakota State.

“So we [took] a couple of little jabs back and forth at each other,” said Oladokun, who played at South Dakota State, “but Carson has been great — a pro’s pro. He’s done everything right. Came in, worked, learned from Pat — and even myself [because I’ve been] here so long now. Just sort of let him know how we do things on a day-to-day basis. So we’re happy to have Carson in.”

The head coach — who has no dog in the Dakota fight — agreed.

“Carson’s done a nice job,” said Reid. “He’s got a good way about him. He’s got good vision. [He’s] a good football player. We’re glad to have him here.”

Reid also likes having a training camp without controversy.

At this time a year ago, it seemed like every other question was about defensive tackle Chris Jones’ contract holdout, which continued through the first game of the regular season. Now that he’s been signed to a new deal, the head coach was happy he could speak of Jones in his accustomed way.

“Chris is one of the team captains,” said Reid. “He’s been that now for the last couple of years; [he’s] so well respected. [It’s great] to have him out here. He always brings energy. He has fun out here — and I’m glad he’s here.”