Chiefs training camp just hit Day 12, and the biggest reveal wasn’t some incredible play, but an unofficial depth chart that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo basically shrugged off. You gotta love the candor, right? The guy was grinning when asked about the chart released by Vice President of Football Communications Brad Gee, even hinting at why it looked the way it did. Turns out, players like L’Jarius Sneed and Mansoor Delane haven’t seen much practice time, so whatever you saw on that paper? Spags says we’re “way down the road on all that.” Health, continuity, and reps are the real deal, he warns, especially heading into Saturday’s preseason opener against the Rams.
Injuries Are Piling Up, And It’s Getting Real
The list of guys not on the field is starting to look like a full roster spot. Right guard Trey Smith is still sidelined, battling a hip injury. Linebacker Drue Tranquill is dealing with back spasms. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is nursing a knee, and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott is on the Physically Unable to Perform list. And let’s not forget defensive end Ashton Gillotte, who was in pads last week for a hamstring injury, but was back on the sideline on Tuesday. That’s a lot of key pieces watching from the bench!
It’s not all doom and gloom though. Wide receiver Rashee Rice, who’s been recovering from a knee issue, was a full participant in practice, and rookie wideout Cyrus Allen was out there too, shaking off a shin bruise. Xavier Worthy, the speedy wide receiver, was in pads, but they kept him out of the contact periods, likely being smart with that shoulder. Rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane got more action, taking on receivers in one-on-one drills and even playing in seven-on-seven periods. Still, when it came to full-team work, Delane often moved to the sideline, with Melvin Smith Jr. stepping in. But the most gut-wrenching moment? Wide receiver Jimmy Holiday, who’s been getting first-team reps because of all these other receiver injuries, got carted off the field early. That’s a tough break, and it really highlights the depth concerns.
Spags Just Wants To See Basic Football Done Right
When you ask a defensive coordinator what he’s itching to see in the first live action of preseason, you expect some tactical genius, right? Not Spags. His priorities for Saturday are crystal clear, and honestly, a bit concerning given how many guys are out. “Always, the first one is tackling,” he said. And even before that, it’s about “block destruction and getting off of blocks.” Seriously. Tackling and getting off blocks. It tells you everything you need to know about where his focus is. With so many guys missing reps, the absolute fundamentals are going to be key.
The Chiefs kick off their preseason against the Los Angeles Rams this Saturday. Spagnuolo’s not looking for highlight reels; he’s looking for basic, sound football. Can the guys who are healthy make tackles? Can they shed blocks? With all the absences and the unofficial depth chart being, well, unofficial, that first game is going to be a real litmus test for who’s ready and who still needs to get their health right before the games actually count.
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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