The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their 2024 training camp with the first full practice held at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, bringing unexpected injury updates to the forefront.
One of the notable developments was the absence of safety Justin Reid from practice, noticeable as he appeared without his helmet, signaling a potential injury. It was later confirmed that Reid had been listed on the team’s Active/NFI (non-football injury) list in Saturday’s NFL transactions report. While still on the roster, Reid is unable to participate in practices until he clears a physical examination. Further details regarding the nature and extent of Reid’s injury are anticipated following head coach Andy Reid’s scheduled press briefing after Sunday’s practice session.
Another absentee from practice was reserve tight end Gerrit Prince, whose recent sighting in a walking boot indicated ongoing recovery from a broken foot suffered last December. In a subsequent update, it was disclosed that Prince will be waived with an injury designation on Monday. Stepping into his roster spot will be tight end Izaiah Gathings, who had previously been signed to the practice squad following Prince’s injury last season but was subsequently waived from the 90-man offseason roster on May 4.
Despite being added to the team’s Active/NFI list due to an illness in the latest transactions report, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire notably participated in Sunday’s practice session. This suggests a positive trajectory towards his imminent activation to the roster, pending formal clearance in the upcoming official team reports.
Among other injury-related updates, left guard Joe Thuney, cornerback Jaylen Watson, and defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi were observed without helmets, actively engaged with trainers during practice. All three players had been placed on the team’s Active/PUP (physically-unable-to-perform) list earlier in the week.
Defensive end Charles Omenihu was notably absent from practice, having been included on the Active/PUP list as well. Additionally, defensive end BJ Thompson, who had been listed on the Active/NFI list due to an illness, also did not participate in the session.
As the Chiefs navigate through the initial stages of their training camp, managing player injuries and recovery timelines remains a critical focus. The absence of key personnel like Justin Reid and the subsequent roster adjustments underscore the team’s preparedness to adapt amidst unforeseen challenges. With ongoing assessments and updates expected in the coming days, the Chiefs are poised to optimize their roster for the upcoming season, balancing rehabilitation efforts with rigorous on-field preparations.