Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had drifted away from bringing rookies and quarterbacks into training camp a few days early in recent years, reasoning that such a veteran team coming off deep playoff runs could do without it. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
But the Chiefs collapsed last season, finishing 6-11 while losing quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a major knee injury. There were significant roster issues on both sides of the ball and depth problems. So Reid opted to bring his quarterbacks and rookies, along with a few other players coming off injuries, back to Missouri Western State University for a few days of work before the full squad arrives.
"I didn't like not doing it last year after I got done with it, to be honest with you," Reid said of the three-day crash course. "It's a good thing for the quarterbacks, good thing for the rookies coming in. We do have more numbers (of rookies) this year, so it allows us to get more reps. I think that will benefit us."
Mahomes was cleared this past week to fully participate in training camp after undergoing surgery in December to repair torn knee ligaments. "You just have to build that confidence back," Mahomes said. "I'm glad I get to do that from Day 1 of training camp."
The next two QBs on the depth chart, Garrett Nussmeier and Chris Oladokun, are learning the offense. The Chiefs traded for Nussmeier from the Jets, while Oladokun joined as a free agent. Reid is confident they will pick up the system quickly.
The full squad reports on July 28, and the first game is September 7 against the Baltimore Ravens.