Defensive roster battle heating up and 3 more things to watch out for as Kansas City Chiefs begin next round of OTAs on Monday
The Kansas City Chiefs are back at practice for their second set of OTAs beginning Monday, June 1. A defensive roster battle, tryouts, absences, and injuries are among the things we’ll be looking at over the next three practice sessions.
The Kansas City Chiefs are back at OTAs for practice on Monday, June 1.
This comes after a brief break between their first set of OTAs and this group. The team won’t hold their next practice open to the media until Wednesday, June 3. There are still worthwhile things to look for in the team’s shared photos and videos throughout the week. There will be even more to uncover once media members get to observe practice again.
Here are a few things to look for this week as the Chiefs return for their second group of OTAs.
What are the Chiefs allowed to do during OTAs?
During Phase III of the offseason program, you’re about as close to real football as you can get without it actually being real football.
- Allowed: 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 team drills, individual and group instruction, and walkthroughs.
- Not allowed: Pads (other than protective knee pads, elbow pads, and helmets) and live contact.
Any changes in the Chiefs’ nickel cornerback competition?
As much as the right tackle battle between Jaylon Moore and Esa Pole is front of mind, the Chiefs also seem to have a fierce competition on the defensive side of the ball. With Trent McDuffie being shipped to the Los Angeles Rams, the Chiefs no longer have a No. 1 option at the nickel cornerback spot. Chris Roland-Wallace seems to be the incumbent getting a strong look, based on his brief 2025 performance in the slot before his injury. However, newcomers Kader Kohou and Jadon Canady have also rotated in and shown promise. What’s clear is that there is a ton of competition here, and it’ll probably be a while before it’s decided. As I’ve said, veterans typically get the benefit of the doubt early. However, don’t be shocked if Kohou or Canady gets work ahead of Roland-Wallace this week.
Do the Chiefs make any new additions to the 90-man offseason roster?
Chiefs GM Brett Veach’s staff has seen the majority of the 90-man roster in action, albeit in padless practices. If they feel a position group is lacking depth, they could host tryouts for that group this week. I would be a little surprised if they did so this early. Traditionally, they don’t host another round of tryouts until training camp. They haven’t yet used the salary cap space freed up by restructuring George Karlaftis’s contract. That leaves the possibility of a new addition open, at least somewhat.
Has attendance changed for the Chiefs at all since Week 1?
Andy Reid was adamant that attendance at OTAs has been really good thus far. KC Star reporter and friend of the site, Pete Sweeney, reported that DT Chris Jones, TE Travis Kelce, and CB Kristian Fulton were absent from Thursday’s media-open practice session. Will any of those players be in attendance during Week 2 of OTAs? Will they simply wait until Mandatory Minicamp on June 9-11 to show up? Remember, OTAs are voluntary practice sessions, so players are not required to attend.
Are the Chiefs dealing with any new injuries as a result of OTAs?
There have already been quite a few injuries across the NFL during OTAs. Most notably among the New York Giants, who have suffered multiple season-ending injuries. The Chiefs are usually pretty good about keeping their team upright during padless practices. That said, injuries happen, and it’ll be important to monitor for any new ones for Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes, Jaden Hicks, Xavier Worthy and Omarr Norman-Lott are all working their way back from injury right now. The last thing the team wants is new injuries that would keep players out for an extended period.