The Chiefs’ first padded practice of camp gave Andy Reid plenty to talk about, and not just because the hits finally started to look a little more real in St. Joseph.
Reid came away encouraged after Monday’s session, saying he appreciated the effort across the board as Kansas City moved through a key checkpoint in training camp. He also used the day to update a few of the storylines fans are watching closest: injuries, the absence of Eric Bieniemy, and the early returns on the Chiefs’ two first-round picks.
On the injury front, there was at least some good news. No new issues popped up Monday, even though a few players were still sidelined.
Wide receivers Cyrus Allen and Xavier Worthy both exited Saturday’s practice - Allen with a shin bruise and Worthy with a sprained shoulder - and Reid said both are being handled one day at a time while swelling subsides. He expects both back later this week.
Ashton Gillotte is also dealing with a hamstring strain, and Reid sounded optimistic about his return as well, though he didn’t give a firm timetable.
Reid also addressed the continued absence of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, whose wife and son were involved in a tragic shooting. The update there was more hopeful. Reid said Mia Bieniemy’s condition is “improving by the day,” and made clear the organization is focused on what matters most.
“Mia’s doing better. She keeps improving by the day, so that’s a positive. There’s no timetable on EB coming back or any of that, so he just needs to take care of business there, and when he gets back here, he gets back here,” said Reid.
With Bieniemy away, Reid had already pointed to passing game coordinator Joe Bleymaier and offensive line coach Andy Heck as the coaches who will help carry more of the load.
One of the biggest reasons Monday mattered, though, was the chance to see how the new faces are handling the step up in intensity. That includes Clemson defensive tackle Peter Woods, one of the Chiefs’ first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Reid said he likes what he’s seen so far.
“He’s an explosive kid. He’s learning.
He’s smart. He’s learning, trying to hone in on some of these techniques we’re asking him to do.
I like his effort. So he’s got a ways to go, but we sure like the tools and the effort and how smart he is.
I appreciate that,” said Reid.
Trey Smith, who knows a thing or two about trench play, had an even bigger endorsement after lining up against Woods.
“Peter’s really talented, man. Sky’s the limit for him in terms of his hand utilization, speed, power-he’s really sort of the full package type of guy.
He’s young and he’s figuring out the game, but he has a willingness to learn. I’ve really enjoyed the way he’s stepped into this program, this organization, and how he’s trying to turn himself into a great player.
But definitely has an outstanding future ahead of him. Just really excited to help his development where I can.”
The other first-round pick, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane, is taking a slower path. He’s still working through a lingering shoulder injury and remains in a yellow non-contact jersey. Reid praised Delane’s toughness and said the staff is still having to rein him in so he doesn’t make the injury worse.
“So he’s a tough nut. A lot of guys probably wouldn’t go out there and play with what he’s got, but he wants to be out there; he wants to learn.
That’s what he wants to do. But contact… we gotta keep him out of contact.
Right now that’s important ’til that thing heals up. Footwork and all that is great.
Go do all that, no problem. But you gotta just wait until it’s healed up.”
The Chiefs are set to practice again Tuesday in St. Joseph, with the team’s Ambassadors on hand and autograph sessions planned with offensive and defensive linemen.
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Chiefs Right Tackle Battle Is Already Taking Shape In Camp
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Elsewhere in the session, defensive tackle Peter Woods stood out in drills, while Patrick Mahomes kept things moving during situational 11-on-11 work with several completions. For a camp still in its opening stretch, that mix of competition up front and routine sharpness from the offense is exactly the kind of early texture the Chiefs want to see, even if the tackle decision is still developing. [Read more 🡒]