ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Six Chiefs players were not on the field for the fourth practice of training camp Wednesday but so far the club has avoided any significant injuries.
Starting linebacker Nick Bolton missed Wednesday’s workout due to an illness. Bolton went to the sidelines for a few moments Tuesday after slipping on the field but his absence wasn’t connected. Linebacker Isiah Moore also sat out Wednesday’s practice due to a swollen knee.
Also absent on Wednesday were wide receivers Kadarius Toney, who underwent surgery yesterday for a torn meniscus, and John Ross who was excused for personal reasons. Defensive tackle Chris Jones remains away from the team as he seeks a contract extension. The All-Pro has now accumulated $250,000 in mandatory fines during his absence from camp.
Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton remains on the physically unable to perform list in his recovery from a torn ACL. He continues working out on the sidelines with athletic trainers as part of his rehabilitation.
Wednesday’s one-hour, 52-minute practice concluded at 11:06 a.m., with a temperature of 88 degrees and a heat index of 95. It was the club’s longest practice of camp so far under the hottest conditions they’ve experienced this summer in St. Joseph. Even wide receiver Richie James, who hails from Sarasota, Florida, found conditions steamy Wednesday.
“That humidity is real,” James said. “I ain’t going to lie to you.”
With Bolton out, Wednesday’s practice provided insight into how the team’s coaching staff views the depth chart in the linebacker group. Free-agent addition Drue Tranquill stepped into Bolton’s role at middle linebacker with the first unit, wearing the green dot helmet as the designated play caller on the defensive side of the ball.
Tranquill appears on track to be the primary backup at all the linebacker positions. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he’s coached many free agents who took time to get comfortable with their new surroundings. That’s not the case with Tranquill, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Chiefs after four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.
“Drue, it’s like he stepped right in, and he’s been here for three years in terms of communicating with his teammates, what he did off the field, how much of a pro he is,” Spagnuolo said Monday. “He’s had a great influence on not just the linebacker room but the defense in general.”
Second-year linebacker Jack Cochrane handled second-team and some third-team duties at middle linebacker and setting the defense. Leo Chenal also took reps as the third-team middle linebacker in addition to his customary role as the starting strong-side linebacker.
Running back Isiah Pacheco, who is returning from offseason surgery on both his shoulder and hand, continues to wear a yellow non-contact jersey. But he has been taking part in a handful of 7-on-7 snaps as he continues to expand his play count.
On the defensive side of the football, cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed (knee) and Trent McDuffie (calf) remain on a snap count after not taking part in offseason practices. Nazeeh Johson joined them as a nickel back with the first-team defense, playing on the right side with McDuffie in the slot. Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson also received first-team reps.
