The Chiefs are wrapping up their final training camp practice in St. Joe today, but it feels like the big story isn’t just the end of camp, it’s the mounting injury list, especially on that offensive line. Matt Waletzko’s knee injury, in particular, looks like it’s got the team seriously worried, bringing in two new linemen for tryouts on Wednesday alone.
O-Line Worries & The New Faces Trying Out
Look, when a team brings in two guys for tryouts who play the exact same position as an injured player, it’s never a good sign. John Campbell and Kellen Diesch, both offensive linemen with experience at tackle but also flexibility inside, hit the Chiefs’ facility for tryouts on Wednesday. The move screams concern for Waletzko’s knee, which kept him out of practice yesterday. Campbell’s an interesting pickup too, a 6-foot-5, 309-pound tackle who played 43 college games with 27 starts, including right tackle at Tennessee. He went undrafted in 2025 but absolutely balled out in the UFL this year, winning a title with the Louisville Kings, beating the DC Defenders 27-20 in the United Bowl. Could be a diamond in the rough, right?
But Waletzko isn’t the only guy dinged up. Wednesday’s injury report was a whole vibe of “uh oh.” Offensive tackle Josh Simmons (back) and guard Trey Smith (hip) were out. Linebacker Jack Cochrane (knee), wide receivers Jimmy Holiday (groin) and Jeff Weimer (hamstring), plus defensive end Ashton Gillotte (foot) all missed practice. Wide receiver Jeff Caldwell (knee) even left early, and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott (knee) is still chilling on the Physically Unable to Perform list. That’s a lot of dudes healing up!
Camp Wraps, Preseason Looms
So, with today marking the 18th and final practice session at Missouri Western State University for 2026, the Chiefs are packing up. It’s time to head to Tampa, Florida, for their Preseason Week 2 matchup against the Buccaneers this Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Before the big move, though, we still got some highlights. Wide receiver Cyrus Allen pulled off the play of the day yesterday, making a one-handed catch against tight coverage from Delane in one-on-ones. Receivers coach Chad O’Shea was hyped about it, saying, “I think Cyrus has come in and he’s taken the coaching. He’s done a great job of working extremely hard and trying to concentrate on the things that we’ve asked him to do.” Gotta love that effort! Plus, Travis Kelce even welcomed a special guest to the final day of camp, and Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo had nothing but good things to say, “Listen, I think Jason’s great. He and I talk.”
After this weekend’s game, it’s back to their regular facility in Kansas City to get ready for the September 14th season opener. These next few weeks are critical for getting healthy and figuring out that O-line situation.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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