The Kansas City Chiefs have completed their practice sessions during their rookie and quarterback head start to 2026 NFL training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The most notable element of these early sessions was the blistering heat, with temperatures touching 100 degrees during each practice. For the 37 players participating (39 in attendance), it served as a true introduction to life at Chiefs training camp. Kansas City did not have a full roster available for 11-on-11 drills, so the team focused on 7-on-7 work, giving rookies and select players a taste of what awaits when veterans report on Tuesday.

With all of that in mind, here’s a look at six things that stood out from media coverage of the last three days of practice.

Eric Bieniemy’s return sets the tone

Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s return was immediately apparent during the first two days of the head start. Even from practice videos, you could hear Bieniemy’s encouragement and what can best be described as words of accountability. He held players to the same standard on good reps as he did on bad ones, and his colorful language could be heard from time to time.

Fans who remember Bieniemy from his 2018 through 2022 stint as the team’s offensive coordinator know this all too well from past training camp practices. The players are taking to the tough coaching well, as evidenced by comments to the media from players like wide receiver Cyrus Allen and running back Emmett Johnson.

“Oh, he’s (Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy) going to push you, man,” Johnson said. “He’s going to push you a lot. He wants the best for me at the end of the day; I’m not going to take anything personal. I pride myself on hard coaching, so I really love that he’s here. He’s pushing me to be better every single day.”

Bieniemy was absent from the team’s practice on Monday to attend to family matters in Virginia. He will be away from the team indefinitely, according to Coach Reid.

Patrick Mahomes working under center

There was no definitive way to determine whether Kansas City placed more or less emphasis on under-center work versus shotgun during these sessions. However, the drills felt more prominent based on the available video and reports from practice. Mahomes worked a significant number of under-center with three-, five-, and seven-step dropbacks across all practice sessions, along with various play-action rollouts.

Whether this represents a true schematic shift remains to be seen, but the emphasis makes sense given several factors. First, the team’s success running from under center last season. Second, the return of Coach Bieniemy and the addition of RBs coach DeMarco Murray. Third, Mahomes’ knee brace and continued recovery. Fourth, Kansas City’s offseason investment in the running game. Finally, the strength of the Chiefs’ offensive line between the tackles with center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith, and left guard Kingsley Suamataia.

Tight end Tre Watson seizes his opportunity

With rookie tight end John Michael Gyllenborg landing on the active PUP list, the Chiefs had just one tight end available for these practice sessions. That lone tight end was Tre Watson, who already put together a strong offseason working with the first-team offense. He worked with the first-, second-, and third-team units, likely receiving more repetitions than any other player on the field.

Watson was also spotted getting one-on-one time with coach Andy Reid after several reps during practice. That one-on-one instruction doesn’t come as often when you’re working behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray, with a full 90-man roster in camp. This should only help his case as he pushes for a spot on the 53-man roster after spending the entire 2025 NFL season on the practice squad in Kansas City.

Jadon Canady already looking the part

Chiefs fourth-round pick Jadon Canady already looks as if he will contribute in various roles. His impact on defense was notable, with multiple pass breakups and an interception during 7-on-7 team drills.

Canady spent the time between mandatory minicamp and training camp continuing to learn the playbook and working at multiple positions. He also spent it putting on good weight and practicing certain intricacies of Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme.

“I would say just going home and putting on weight,” Canady said. “Doing the skills that are needed for (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Steve) Spags (Spagnuolo), like certain types of drops or certain types of patterns. Just going home and really keying in on what Coach Spags wants from me.”

He appears to be getting his reps nickel corner. Canady has the versatility to play other defensive spots, such as safety. He also expects to contribute as a multi-phase special-teams player.

Xavier Nwankpa and DeShon Singleton flash ball skills

Chiefs GM Brett Veach may have found a pair of contributors through undrafted free agency at the safety position. Xavier Nwankpa put together an outstanding first day on Saturday, per KSHB-TV’s Nick Jacobs. He baited multiple throws and recorded several pass breakups, along with an interception, during practice. He even almost got Mahomes to throw him one. On the second day, Singleton hauled in an interception on a deep pass during 7-on-7 work.

Both players showing off their ball skills during a pre-training camp session bodes well for their chances of keeping up their play through the preseason. Nwankpa is already someone Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub has highlighted as a potential contributor. With Kansas City’s current situation at safety, a strong continued showing over the next month could put Nwankpa (or Singleton) in legitimate contention for the 53-man roster.

Emmett Johnson’s pass-catching prowess

Without a full complement of offensive linemen, the Chiefs could not run true rushing drills during the head start. That left Johnson with three areas to focus on: special-teams work as a kickoff returner, pass protection and blocking (which, by all accounts, was solid against the available defenders), and pass-catching.

That third area stood out the most. Johnson has proven to be a natural catcher of the football. It’s through hard work, as he was seen on the JUGS machine before and after practice. He told reporters he gets 200 catches in per day, and prides himself on catching the ball well. He sees it as his path to contribute quickest in the NFL.

“Yes, sir,” Johnson said. “I love it, man. Like I said, just being a receiving threat out of the backfield, the NFL is big. Just showing them what I can do, and then showing them that they can rely on me in the pass game is something I take big pride in.”

Andrew Armstrong picking up where he left off in OTAs and mandatory minicamp

Andrew Armstrong had already put together some standout practices during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. He continued that solid play during the three-day head start at training camp, making a number of impressive catches in tight coverage. He’s a long shot to make the 53-man roster, but he knows that he’s making a strong case for himself so long as he maintains.

“Just work,” Armstrong said. “It was not too much of knowing the best way to earn a roster spot, it was just coming in, working, and knowing that nothing is given to nobody. I knew that I was going to have to come in here and be the type of player that I can be. Being the best type of player on and off the field, in the training room, inside the locker room and a great teammate. It’s the little things like that that helps me come in here and fight for a spot.”

These three days were just a taste of what awaits Kansas City’s rookies once the full roster arrives. The head start is designed to set them up for success, allowing early chemistry with the starting quarterback and new teammates so they can jump right into the work when the 2026 season preparations begin in full on Wednesday.