The Kansas City Chiefs ended their 2026 training camp in St. Joe this morning. It was a long, grueling camp for both rookies and veterans. So, what did we really learn from three-plus weeks of banging around in pads?
What could be described as one of the most anticipated training camps in Kansas City Chiefs history came to its summer conclusion on Thursday. It began in July and ended in the heat of August, and now the fun begins.
It’s hard to truly evaluate what this camp will unveil for the regular season three weeks from Monday night, when the Chiefs host the Denver Broncos in this battle of AFC West titans. What we know is that Quarterback, Patrick Mahomes will be starting that game, but that’ll be the first time fans see him back on the field since they winced in horror after his injury last December.
Head Coach Andy Reid has no intention of playing him on Saturday when the Chiefs travel to Tampa to face the Buccaneers. However, he has been medically cleared and looked like his old self during his entire stay in camp.
In fact, he only had one day off and was running around the field as if his double ligament surgery didn’t happen in December. We’ve already exceeded our expectations, so it’s no surprise that Mahomes would knock his rehab in the same manner as his three Super Bowl rings, but he’s on pace and appears ready to play football again.
Yes, Mahomes is the linchpin to the Chiefs’ resurgence in the AFC, but he also has more weapons, though some unproven, than he’s lined up next to since he won Super Bowl LXII against the San Francisco 49ers.
So who could lend the biggest hand for Mahomes this season?
Running back Kenneth Walker appears to be the game-breaking player this offense has not had since Jamaal Charles. In fact, the way Reid showcased his free-agent signee in both the run and pass during camp leads me to believe he’ll be more featured in Reid’s revamped offensive scheme.
Adding to that, rookie back Emmitt Johnson from Nebraska looks to improve on his impressive camp. He was one of the offensive stars in the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, and he’ll get another chance to claim the backup spot. Currently, he and Brashard Smith are in the mix to be the relief for Walker.
Cyrus Allen continues to separate himself from all the Chiefs receivers. He’s been at his very best since he stepped on the field back in rookie camp. His ability to learn the offense, overcome a camp injury, and gain the trust of Mahomes in a few months remains the highlight of camp.
Despite his size, he is a terrific route runner, but his best feature might be his ability to improvise in open spaces, giving Mahomes another dimension to the offense. I generally don’t get excited about fifth-round draft picks, but Allen has the chance to be special.
Chiefs Wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea praised his rookie receiver, but if this unit is going to be successful, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton have to make plays as well. Another surprise with this group is former Arkansas Receiver, Andrew Armstrong. The second-year player has bounced around with the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers.
Tight End Travis Kelce has been his usual self, and he still looks like a kid who is having fun playing catch with his teammates. Yes, he’s nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career, but he hasn’t lost a single ounce of energy or drive to be the best for himself and his teammates.
Right Tackle Khalil Benson might be the biggest surprise of training camp. Though he’s bounced between right tackle and right guard, he’s certainly proven adept at both positions. With the injury to All-Pro guard Trey Smith, who will likely be ready for the opener, Benson has shed the label of undrafted free agent to lock down right tackle.
Assuming Smith will be available this season, the offensive line looks impressive. Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia and Creed Humphry round out the group in what could be the best offensive line Mahomes has played with in his 10-year career.
The defense has been impressive as well, and the young draft picks, Mansoor Delane, R Mason Thomas and Peter Woods, have brought their playmaking abilities to camp. Delane has yet to hit the field, but he could get a few snaps on Saturday.
All in all, outside of the injury to second-year pass rusher Ashton Gillotte, who has a ruptured plantar fascia that could be viewed as lingering for the season, something major, or needs a week to calm down. It’s too early to get a true evaluation, but he was supposed to be a big part of the defense, and this will certainly be something the Chiefs need to overcome.
However, based on what I’ve heard from medical professionals, a rupture is better than a torn ligament. So once the pain subsides, the healing tends to be a quick process. The Chiefs did add veteran Emmanuel Ogbah, and former first-round draft pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah has been impressive in camp.
That said, camp is over; the Chiefs return to their respective homes today before jumping on a plane for Florida tomorrow. It’s a work weekend, but at least the long padded practices, dorm room life, and missing their families have ended.
Now it’s all about the Denver Broncos as the prep work begins.
