ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — As the Kansas City Chiefs began their first full workout of training camp, safety Justin Reid joined the back-to-back champions’ list of injured starters.
The club placed Reed on the non-football injured list with a quadriceps issue. Jaeden Hicks, a fourth-round draft pick out of Washington State, filled in for Reed as the strong safety on the first-team defense. He played alongside free safety Brian Cook and nickelback Chamari Conner.
Coach Andy Reid didn’t go into detail about the injury Sunday but said there are no long-term concerns for the 27-year-old leader of the defensive secondary.
“Look, we’re just taking it day by day right now and seeing what he does. He’s very honest with you and he doesn’t try to hide anything. He makes sure to tell you how he feels, so we trust him.”
Justin Reed was placed on the non-football injured list along with defensive end B.J. Thompson, who suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest at the team’s training facility in Kansas City on June 6 and is undergoing rehabilitation.
The team is also without left guard Joe Thuney (pectoral muscle), defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee), defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (triceps) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder).
Running back Clyde Edwards-Haley, who was placed on the non-football sick list on Saturday, was cleared to return to work Sunday and participated in a full workout.
Big passing plays at camp
On the fourth snap of the 11-on-11 period, quarterback Patrick Mahomes sprinted left and took an off-platform throw off his back foot that went more than 50 yards down the field. Xavier Worthy, the 28th overall draft pick, tracked the ball perfectly and caught it over his shoulder for the touchdown.
The play drew cheers from fans, players and coaches, and the moment meant a lot to Worthy, who missed most of the team’s offseason workouts with a hamstring injury.
“He’s been working hard,” Reid said. “His hamstring looks better. We’ve got to keep him here and keep him learning. We only have one guy, they have 12, so he’s getting more information on formations, shifts, movement. He did a good job today.”
Chris Jones returns to camp
All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones returned to Missouri Western State’s campus for the team’s training camp after sitting out last season due to a contract default, and his head coach is among those happy to have Jones back in camp.
“Chris is one of our team captains and has been captain for the last few years and is very well respected,” Reid said. “When he’s here, there’s an energy. There’s always an energy. He enjoys being here and we’re glad to have him here.”
But Jones turned 30 earlier this month and has requested more time off during training camp. Veterans like Jones are scheduled to report to St. Joseph’s on July 19 and the team will break up camp on Aug. 15.
He jokingly brought up teammate Travis Kelce as a reason for resting Sunday, asking his head coach to understand that “30 hits makes a difference.”
“Travis has an easier job than I do because I’m fighting 300 pounds every play and Travis is fighting 135, 140 pounds catching the ball,” Jones said with a smile. “I just hope Reid has a great heart and gives me a day or two off.”
Jones has been known to make big statements during past camps, including leading the league in sacks, and he said his goals this year are simple: help the Chiefs win their third straight Super Bowl and win the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year award.
“I think my mindset has to be the best at all times,” Jones explained. “Every year I go for DPOY. It’s a commitment to myself and to challenge myself to make my teammates better. No matter how much money there is, how much I make, how much money I get, my morals in football won’t change. I play football because I love the game, not for anything else.”
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