Chiefs offensive coordinator says wife recovering after shooting incident

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said his wife, Mia Bieniema, is on a strong path to recovery after she was shot in the chest and arm at the family home in Loudoun County, Virginia, last month. Bieniemy, who missed 11 training-camp practices to be with his wife, told reporters that her improvement was a primary reason for his return to the team.

Police confirmed that a woman was hospitalized with serious injuries from multiple gunshot wounds, and a few days later she was released from intensive care. Her son, Elijah Zion Bieniema, 27, was arrested on July 27 and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling. He is being held without bond and will undergo a competency evaluation; a preliminary hearing is set for Sept. 9.

Bieniemy thanked the Chiefs organization for its support and noted he kept up with practices via livestream while away. He also shared a coaching tip with general manager Brett Veach for rookie running back Emmett Johnson. On his first day back, the offensive line greeted him, and he resumed his usual coaching approach during practice.

"It feels good to be back," Bieniemy said, adding that the team feels like a family and that the sport’s highs and lows are united by a common goal.