Kansas City Chiefs training camp just hit another level, because full pads are officially on this Monday. This isn’t just another practice; this is where the pretenders get exposed and the real ballers shine.
The “Pads On” Litmus Test Is Here
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub summed it up perfectly after practice, saying what we all know to be true in football: players looking good in shorts can absolutely vanish when the real hitting starts. And sometimes, it’s the exact opposite, right? Some guys just light up when the pads are on, surprising everyone. Toub was blunt about it, laying down the law: “You play football with pads. We push it to the max, as much as you can do, and we’ll find out about these guys.” It’s all about separating the hype from the actual hustle once the contact begins. This is the moment when guys either rise to the occasion or fade into the background.
So, who’s got Toub’s attention as the intensity ramps up? He’s pretty hyped about wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, specifically eyeing him as a potential cover guy on special teams, which is a critical role. And then there’s rookie safety Xavier Nwankpa, who has apparently “really shown up” in the non-padded sessions. Now the real test begins for Nwankpa, to see if that flash in shorts translates to real football. On the flip side, Toub isn’t exactly seeing any rookie returners jumping out to challenge the incumbents. He’s sticking with veterans Nikko Remigio and Brashard Smith for now, which is a pretty strong vote of confidence for the guys already there.
Rookies Ready to Bang and a Comeback Story Brewing
Defensive tackle Chris Jones, a certified trench warrior, is obviously stoked for the physicality that comes with pads. He’s itching to get back to real football and prepare for what’s sure to be a wild 2026 season. Jones is visibly pumped about the “young talent” they’ve got cooking on the defensive line, talking up “a lot of explosiveness” from guys like defensive tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher R Mason Thomas. He mentioned Woods is “coming along” nicely and Mason is “doing his thing.” This is the kind of veteran leadership and energy you need, getting the young guys fired up and ready to hit. Jones can’t wait to “put the pads on Monday and see where we stand” as a unit. That’s the attitude you want.
Now, not everyone is joining the full-pads party, which is always a bummer. Defensive end Ashton Gillotte unfortunately strained his hamstring on Friday and won’t be able to suit up in full pads. Tough break early on, but injuries are just part of the game. This situation, however, potentially opens the door a bit wider for Felix Anudike-Uzomah, the fourth-year player who’s really trying to kickstart his dormant NFL career. Jones sounds super optimistic, noting that “Felix is finally healthy. Now we’re able to see the first-round talent that we drafted with Felix. With him being healthy and being able to broadcast his skill set.” For Anudike-Uzomah, it’s a make-or-break year, and getting healthy is the first step.
And on the other side of the ball, Jones has already been tangling with rookie right tackle Kahlil Benson. Benson has apparently locked down the starting RT spot for three consecutive practices, which, even without pads, is a massive statement. Jones already has a “good impression” of him, which, coming from a guy like Jones, means a ton. Seeing Benson go against Jones with pads on? That’s going to be absolutely must-watch stuff this week.
With pads on all week, leading right up to the Preseason Week 1 game on August 15th, it’s crunch time in Kansas City. These next few weeks aren’t just about getting ready for the season; they’re about proving who deserves a spot on the roster and who’s truly ready to bring it when the lights are on. Keep a close eye on those young guys Toub and Jones called out. This is where players make their name, or, like Toub said, they just disappear.
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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