KC Chiefs Training Camp Report: Pads Are on, Stephenson, D.A.T
The KC Chiefs training camp is in full swing and the last two days (Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th) the Chiefs have been practicing in full pads. With the pads popping, we’re finally getting a look at what these new players have to offer.
A bit of news to report out camp today right away, starting right tackle Donald Stephenson was rolled up on from behind during a drill today. He was carried off with the help of two trainers and it appears to be an ankle injury.
Donald Stephenson has an ankle injury. Dwayne Bowe was cramping.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 27, 2014
The extent of the injury is yet to be reported but if it’s bad, it would be a huge blow for the Chiefs. Some would argue that Stephenson is the best tackle of their roster and they need all the help they can get along the front five. Let’s hope for a speedy recovery for Donald.
Some good news though from the offensive line, rookie guard Zach Fulton is already starting to show flashes of why he could be an immediate starter for the Chiefs.
Fulton looked good in 1 on 1s. Flashed ability to anchor and seemed to hold up better than Rishaw Johnson. #Chiefs may have found something.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 27, 2014
With the loss of Geoff Schwartz and Jon Asamoah to free agency, John Dorsey needed to get to work in finding a quality replacement and they may have found a really good one already.
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Even reports from OTA’s were that Fulton is “battle ready” and ahead of Rishaw Johnson for that starting spot. Well, now that the pads are on, we finally can get a sense of that truth.
Moving on to the defense, the wily old vet Derrick Johnson is just doing his normal thing. Apparently D.J. is all over the field, laying the smack down on anything that comes his way.
Derrick Johnson just laid out Demetrius Harris. He is all over the place, folks.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 27, 2014
D.J. just layed out a 6-foot-7 240 pound tight end. Man I love him as our middle linebacker and you can call him Mr. Consistency. But wait, there’s more!
Derrick Johnson just POPPED Donnie Avery going across the middle. Avery held on to the ball.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 27, 2014
First of all, way to hold on to the ball Avery. I could only imagine getting “POPPED” by Derrick Johnson running full speed across the middle. Avery struggled with some drops at time last season so hopefully he can keep news like this consistent.
Lastly, rookie offensive/special teams weapon De’Anthony Thomas is finally showing the type of work he is going to get with the Chiefs. He was the number one return man during punt return work in special teams period.
De'Anthony Thomas is the first punt returner out there during special teams work.
— RIP Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 27, 2014
Terez Paylor has been describing him as “cat quick” because of his ability to move in space. Thomas has also been getting all his work on offense from the backfield. Catching balls on short routes and read options.
The kid could be a real play maker for the Chiefs but will likely do most of his damage on special teams. With his speed and the guidance of Dave Toub, something really special could be brewing.
One more side note, Coach Reid has been playing music at camp to help set the tone and keep the players fired up. Today, Paylor’s song of the day was none other than Hulk Hogans “Real American”. Coach Reid is the man.
Stay tuned for all the latest Kansas City Chiefs training camp news. And if any of our readers have been attending, please share any notes or news you have in the comments below!