the Kansas City Chiefs entered the practice field at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph on Saturday morning, holding the first practice session of the team’s 2022 training camp.
Saturday’s practice was limited to rookies, quarterbacks and some sophomores who reported to camp Friday afternoon. There will be a total of three such practices, the other two on Sunday and Monday morning, before the rest of the team shows up on Monday afternoon. The first full practice will take place on Wednesday morning.
before us published a list of participantsalong with some injury notes from Kansas City head coach Andy Reid.
arrowhead pride editor-in-chief Pete Sweeney was there, presenting a series of observations from the two-hour session: including a reminder of the most important fact.
The first, and most important, note of camp is always this: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes was in attendance. Mahomes joined the full QB room of Chad Henne, Shane Buechele and Dustin Crum for the opening practice day.
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
But without a full complement of available players, the team was limited to drills.
The lightweight roster means 7-on-7 for this part of the job, and RB Isiah Pacheco doesn’t care.
“The 7-on-7 helps you because every time there’s a guy carrying the ball down the field, you shoot him. That’s what matters: shooting. Go find that guy with the ball and follow him,” he said.
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
pete could confirm the team’s second-round wide receiver was ready to play.
I mentioned on Friday that WR Skyy Moore said he was “completely ready” and 100%. On Saturday he showed up without the thigh compression sleeve she had been wearing during the OTAs. Confirmed and confirmed… good to go.
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
Moore made the most of his time.
Moore caught two of Mahomes’ first three completions during 7-on-7. In all, Mahomes completed passes to six different receivers on Saturday, which, even on light duty, probably fits with the theme of things to come in 2022.
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
And the rookie wide receiver impressed the head coach with his work.
Andy Reid liked what he saw in Moore on Saturday: “He looked soft here … strong. His leg seemed to be holding up pretty well. He’s got these big legs, unlike a lot of receivers. He’s got runner-like legs.” . But it was smooth. Good hands…he catches it easily.”
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
Going into the offseason, it would have been fair to ask “Cornell who?” But on Saturday, the 2021 fifth-round wide receiver managed to get Pete’s attention.
I thought WR Cornell Powell probably looked the best in a long time, totaling four receptions during 7-on-7. Great camp for Powell, who needs to keep it up once the veterans come in to defend what we’re projecting as only 2 receiving spots earned.
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
He also looked like the wide receiver turned tight end of 2021 he had fully recovered from his injury earlier in the season.
TE Jody Fortson overcame an early slump to score back-to-back touchdowns in Mahomes’ red zone later in practice. He could have gotten a third from QB Chad Henne a couple of plays later. Pacheco had a short marker from Henne in the red zone 7 against 7.
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
On defense, a rookie safety made a hand-to-hand play... and a comment your coaches would probably like to post on the bulletin board in the dining room.
On defense, S Bryan Cook forced TE Matt Bushman to fumble shortly after he caught a pass from Mahomes. “We always insisted on hitting the ball … we saw an opportunity,” he said.
Cook added that he wishes he could go back to it, but is happy to practice good habits.
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
Cook was not the only defender who caught Pete’s eye.
Other defensive highlights on Saturday: CB Trent McDuffie, who had a pass breakup (PBU) and DB Nazeeh Johnson, who had a PBU and nearly intercepted Mahomes.
—Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) July 23, 2022
The rookies and quarterbacks will be back on Sunday morning, and then we’ll be back with another recap.