Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is back on the field after a leave of absence tied to personal matters, according to Matt Derrick.
Kansas City also got a look at offensive line versatility from UDFA Kahlil Benson. Andy Reid said Benson has been working at right guard after playing more games at right tackle in college, and Reid sees value in that kind of flexibility.
“I think it’s good for him to have some real flexibility… It’ll do nothing but help him, even at the tackle spot; it’ll help him when he jumps back there.”
In Las Vegas, Kirk Cousins has the No. 1 job for now after being named the starter over Fernando Mendoza. Cousins made it clear he understands what the Raiders have in Mendoza, while also saying he plans to keep the job as long as he can.
“I think the organization is positioned well having drafted Fernando. I’m gonna try to hold him off as long as I can, and we’ll see how it goes up ahead.”
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak also praised safety Treydan Stukes, pointing to the way he attacks special teams and the broader competition he brings on defense and in the kicking game.
“I like how hard he plays on special teams. He’s a guy that’s gonna challenge for spots in many places on defense and on teams. But I like that he’s a team-first guy and that shows up in the way he plays teams.”
Cornerback Jermod McCoy, a fourth-round pick, said he’s feeling good and has been able to go beyond the team’s workload limit as he continues recovering from a torn ACL.
In Other News...
Deven Thompkins Is Making A Real Raiders Roster Push
Deven Thompkins arrived in Las Vegas shortly before training camp as an undrafted player from the 2022 class, but he has spent the early portion of camp making a legitimate case to stick. The receiver has drawn positive reviews in practice, standing out in wideout drills and adding value as a return option on special teams, which gives him more than one way to carve out a role.
For a player trying to force his way onto a roster, that kind of versatility matters, and Thompkins has backed it up with a few eye-catching moments in camp sessions. He also comes into the building with familiarity around key people in the organization, which only adds to the sense that this is more than a long shot audition. If he keeps stacking those reps, the Raiders may have a tougher decision than expected when roster cuts arrive. [Read more 🡒]
Raiders D Line Is Building An Identity Fans Will Notice Fast
The Raiders defensive line is starting to take on a feel that goes beyond scheme and individual talent. Coach Travis Smith said the group is being shaped around listening and communication, with an emphasis on players understanding not just their own jobs but how they fit into the room. Along the way, Smith pointed to Tonka Hemingways quiet effectiveness, Thomas Booker IVs versatility and the steady work of rookies Cian Slone and Keyron Crawford as examples of the kind of traits that are beginning to define the unit.
What makes that approach interesting is the way the veterans are being asked to help drive it from inside the locker room. Smith said the older players have a role in mentoring the younger linemen and helping build a player-led culture, which can matter just as much as anything happening on the practice field. For a defense that wants its front to set the tone, this is the kind of foundation that can show up quickly once the season starts, even before the biggest names grab the headlines. [Read more 🡒]