Chiefs showcase defensive versatility and address injuries in fourth day of training camp

Kansas City held its fourth consecutive training-camp session in St. Joseph under clear, breezy conditions, with the practice lasting about two hours. The team will have a rest day on Sunday before pads are introduced on Monday.

Defensive end Ashton Gillotte missed the session with a strained hamstring, prompting fourth-year defensive tackle Felix Anudike-Uzomah to see increased snaps with the starters. Coaches presented a first look at a Dime package featuring six defensive backs, one linebacker and four pass rushers. Cornerbacks Mansoor Delane and Nohl Williams covered the outside, safety Christian Roland-Wallace remained the slot defender, and L’Jarius Sneed substituted for linebacker Drue Tranquill.

Spagnuolo appeared to be considering Sneed as a Dime safety, pairing him with Roland-Wallace to handle slot receivers, tight ends and running backs on passing downs. On the line, George Karlaftis and rookie Mason Thomas lined up at the edge while Chris Jones and Anudike-Uzomah worked inside rushes. In a full-team period, nose tackle Khyiris Tonga was joined by rookie Peter Woods inside, and a three-man front later featured Tranquill as the fourth on-ball defender alongside Jones, Woods and Karlaftis, with linebackers Nick Bolton and Jeffrey Bassa on the second level. Veteran Jack Cochrane rotated with Cooper McDonald at the SAM linebacker spot.

On offense, rookie right tackle Kahlil Benson started for the third day in a row, while the second-team line alternated Jaylon Moore and Esa Pole at the tackle spots. Running back Brashard Smith received more first-team reps than rookie Emmett Johnson, catching several passes out of the flat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. With wide receiver Rice absent and rookie Cyrus Allen injured, the Chiefs gave more snaps to receivers Nikko Remigio and Andrew Armstrong. Tight ends Travis Kelce, Noah Gray and Jared Wiley were all featured in various formations.

The pass defense continued to challenge Mahomes, limiting open windows and forcing the quarterback to earn big plays. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy managed two difficult catches despite tight coverage, while safety Alohi Gilman and linebacker Drue Tranquill recorded interceptions in seven-on-seven drills. Cornerback Mansoor Delane displayed aggressive play, including a forced turnover on a pass to Kelce and a notable head-on collision with receiver Nikko Remigio that drew attention from teammates.

The practice also included a mid-session injury to rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen during punt coverage, which drew a noticeable reaction from the crowd.