Patrick Mahomes didn’t try to sugarcoat what he saw at Chiefs practice on Monday.
During 7-on-7 drills, undrafted safety Xavier Nwankpa delivered a clothesline tackle on running back Emmett Johnson, sending Johnson flying and instantly turning heads on the sideline. Mahomes saw enough to voice his frustration loudly, reportedly shouting, “What the [expletive] are we doing?”
The hit carried a little extra baggage, too. Nwankpa played at Iowa, while Johnson starred at Nebraska, and the two schools have a long, bitter rivalry. That college edge appeared to follow both rookies onto the Chiefs’ practice field.
Johnson enters camp as a fifth-round pick and a former Big Ten Running Back of the Year. Nwankpa, meanwhile, is trying to carve out a roster spot as an undrafted free agent. With preseason games closing in, both are pushing for every rep they can get.
Mahomes’ reaction also underscored where he is in his own camp work. He has been fully cleared after tearing his ACL last season and is continuing to build back toward full speed. Andy Reid has already said the quarterback will likely sit out at least the first preseason game against the Rams.
Even with that in mind, Mahomes has made it clear he likes the competition in camp - he just wants it kept under control. Recent clips have shown him looking sharp with his throws and leading the offense, while the team also sorts through bigger-picture questions about scheme changes this year. One major adjustment for the 2026 season will involve how often Mahomes lines up under center versus in the shotgun.
For Johnson, special teams remains part of the path to making the 53-man roster. For Nwankpa, it’s about making the most of every chance he gets. Monday’s collision was a reminder that old college grudges can still flare up in NFL camp, and Mahomes’ sideline blast made it plain he wants focused, competitive football - not unnecessary heat between teammates.
In Other News...
Patrick Mahomes Sent A Clear Message At Chiefs Camp
Training camp usually comes with a little edge, but Patrick Mahomes made it clear Monday that there is a line even in practice. During a Chiefs 7-on-7 period, the quarterback reacted sharply to a heavy collision between two rookies, a moment that cut through the normal camp buzz and served as a reminder that Kansas City still wants competition without the chaos.
The play involved undrafted safety Xavier Nwankpa and running back Emmett Johnson, both fighting for roster consideration as preseason approaches. For a team that lives on timing, trust and staying healthy, Mahomes frustration said plenty about the standard inside the building: the reps matter, but so does keeping them under control. [Read more 🡒]
Chiefs WR Battle Just Took Another Hit At The Worst Time
Training camp has already been a test of depth for Kansas City at wide receiver, and the latest setback only adds to the pressure on a position group trying to stay intact. Jimmy Holiday, who originally joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent and has spent most of his time with the organization on the practice squad, was injured during a practice session and had to leave early.
Holidays exit comes at a bad moment for a Chiefs passing game still dealing with injury issues at receiver, where every healthy practice rep matters. No further details about the injury were immediately available, leaving the team to absorb another uncertain turn as camp continues and roster battles start to sharpen. [Read more 🡒]