Chiefs safety Justin Reid placed on non-football injury list
Kansas City Chiefs during NFL football training camp Thursday, July 18, 2024, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
By MATT DERRICK Associated Press
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Safety Justin Reid joined a growing list of injured starters for the back-to-back champs as the Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their first full-squad workout of training camp.
The club placed Reid on the non-football injury list with a quad issue. Jaden Hicks, a fourth-round draft choice from Washington State, took Reid’s place at strong safety with the first-team defense. He played alongside free safety Bryan Cook with Chamarri Conner at nickel back.
Coach Andy Reid didn’t elaborate on the nature of the injury on Sunday, but said he doesn’t have long-term concerns for his 27-year-old defensive secondary leader.
“Listen, we’re just day-by-daying it right now and see how he does. He’s very honest with you, and he’s not going to hide anything. He’s going to make sure he tells you how he’s feeling. And so we trust him with that.”
Justin Reid joined defensive end B.J. Thompson on the non-football injury list. Thompson suffered a seizure and went into cardiac arrest at the team’s training complex in Kansas City on June 6. He is currently undergoing rehab.
The team is also without left guard Joe Thuney (pectoral), defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee), defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (tricep) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (shoulder).
Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was placed on the non-football illness list Saturday, was cleared to resume work on Sunday and participated in the full workout.
Big pass play in camp
On the fourth snap of the 11-on-11 period, quarterback Patrick Mahomes sprinted to his left and fired an off-platform throw from his back foot more than 50 yards downfield. Xavier Worthy, the No. 28 overall selection in the draft, tracked the ball perfectly while securing the reception over his shoulder in stride for a touchdown.
The play drew cheers from fans, players and coaches. The moment loomed large for Worthy after a hamstring injury sidelined him for most of the team’s offseason workouts.
“He’s been working hard,” Reid said. “Looks like his hamstring feels better. We just got to keep him going here and keep learning. We’re just one install into it, and they’ve got 12 of them. So he’s got a lot more information coming at him, and formations and shifts and motions and all that stuff. You know, he did a nice job today.”
Chris Jones back at camp
All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones made his return to the campus of Missouri Western State University for the team’s training camp after his contract holdout kept him away last season. His head coach is among those happy to have Jones back in camp.
“Chris was one of the team captains and he’s been that now for the last couple of years, and so well-respected,” Reid said. “To have him out here, he brings energy, he always brings energy. He has fun out here and I’m glad he’s here.”
Jones turned 30 earlier this month, however, and he has asked for more time off during camp. Veterans such as Jones reported to St. Joseph on July 19 and the team breaks camp on Aug 15.
He even jokingly invoked teammate Travis Kelce into his case for time off Sunday, asking his head coach to understand that “30 hits different.”
“Travis’ job is a little more easier than mine because I’m fighting 300 pounds every play, and Travis catching the ball, fighting 135, 140 pounds,” Jones said with a grin. “You know, I just hope that (Reid) finds it in his amazing heart to give me a day or two off coming up.”
Jones has been known to make big proclamations during past camps, such as leading the league in sacks. This year he says his goals are simple, help the Chiefs win a third straight Super Bowl and earn AP Defensive Player of the Year honors.
“I think my mind frame has always to be the best I can be,” Jones explained. “I strive for DPOY every year. It’s a commitment to myself that I make and also challenging myself to make my teammates better. I think no matter how much the money is, how much money I’m making, how much money I get, my morals never changed in football. I play football because I love the game, not for anything else.”
