The Chiefs took one step closer to football season this week

Matt McMullen

The Kansas City Chiefs took one step closer to football season this week as the team began "Phase 3" of the offseason training program at the team facility, which includes voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

OTAs are a significant step in the offseason training program because they allow 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 offensive vs. defensive drills to take place for the first time since last season ended.

There's no live hitting taking place, and the players aren't wearing pads, but it's still a major benchmark when it comes to the Chiefs' preparation for the 2025 season. Additionally, in many ways, this time of year serves as the foundation for what the Chiefs will aim to master during training camp, which begins in July.

"We go [full-steam ahead]. It's a little bit like camp, where you're installing plays, and you ask them to go execute those plays," said Head Coach Andy Reid. "We try not to back up and go over the plays we installed yesterday, but at the same time, if you're not [studying] at home, then you're going to have a problem when you get out there. There's a method to that madness, and it looks like these guys are doing a good job with it."

Prior to this week, the Chiefs' activities at the team facility were limited to individual and positional drills. That's no longer the case, however, as the players can now compete against one another under the direction of the Chiefs' coaching staff.

"We're moving guys all over the place, whether that be with the young receivers, defensive backs, linebackers, [or elsewhere]. We're fitting pieces in there like we normally do. We're moving the offensive linemen all over, too," Reid said. "That pays off for you once you get going. It's about finding the best people for those positions."

It all makes for a great opportunity as the Chiefs begin their preparations for the upcoming season, but keep in mind, these practices are completely voluntary. The players don't have to do any of this, but under the direction of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other veterans on the team, this process is something the guys choose to embrace.

"It's awesome to have the leadership that we have, and to have guys like [tight end Travis Kelce] and [defensive tackle] Chris Jones who are still coming to OTAs and getting the work in. It shows the standard that we have here," Mahomes said. "We've been doing it all throughout the spring. Guys have been working hard. You can tell they're motivated to go out there and be even better this year. That starts here, and I think the guys understand that."

With all of that in mind, here are a few quick notes from Thursday's practice, which was open to members of the media:

• Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had a strong day with several tight-window throws.

• Wide receiver Jalen Royals was one of the standouts of the practice. He made several catches during both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, including one catch a strong, leaping grab in the back of end zone that was probably the best play of the day.

• Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton stood out with a pair of catches deep down the sideline during 7-on-7 drills. Keep in mind, Thornton is only three years removed from running a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.

• Cornerback Trent McDuffie recorded an interception on a shovel pass during team drills.

• Tight end Jake Briningstool hauled in a catch amidst traffic over the middle during 7-on-7 drills.

• Cornerback Nazeeh Johnson recorded a pass-breakup during team drills. Johnson had a good day overall.

• Wide receiver Xavier Worthy made an acrobatic catch on a quick throw over the middle during a team period.

• Linebacker Cam Jones tallied an interception over the middle during team drills.

• Wide receiver Nikko Remigio had a productive day with several receptions, including a leaping catch during 7-on-7 drills.

• Wide receiver Skyy Moore made a pair of impressive catches during a team period.

• Wide receiver Elijhah Badger caught a touchdown during team red zone drills.

• The Chiefs worked on kickoffs, punts and field goals during their special teams period.

• Kicker Harrison Butker was 6-for-6 on field goal attempts, which included a 60-yarder.

The Chiefs will continue with two more weeks of voluntary OTAs before hosting a three-day, mandatory minicamp beginning on June 17.