By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs officially concluded their first week of training camp with a Saturday morning practice - the last workout in half pads before full pads go on Monday.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy says the start to camp has been encouraging, but he noticed a lack of focus amongst his group Saturday.
"The effort was outstanding," Bieniemy said. "You can practice hard, but activity don't always equate to productivity. We have to make sure we're maximizing and detailing the little things that's going to help us become the offense we want to become."
Personnel wise, a pair of rookies on the offensive side had a chance to shine Saturday. Rookie receiver Skyy Moore continues to get reps with the first-team offense and is looking more the part as camp goes on.
Moore had a diving catch in tight coverage on a deep ball for the second day in a row Saturday.
"(Moore) goes out there and finds a way to get the job done on the next initial play," Bieniemy noted. "The thing he's also been great with is in the classroom, he's been receptive to the information. On top of that, he's seeing it and he has an opportunity to autocorrect. He'll very rarely repeat the same things twice."
Perhaps the biggest surprise Saturday was seeking rookie running back and seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco getting reps with the first-team offense, rotating with Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Pacheco has clear speed. He's also been getting some time on kick return this week. McKinnon, a ninth-year pro who just re-signed with the Chiefs in June, called Pacheco "a humble guy" whose work ethic is "top tier."
Frank Clark
Clark spoke at length at the end of practice, and seemed to be in great spirits. He revealed that he's cut red meat and alcohol out of his diet as soon as the season ended in February.
Clark said he didn't feel as quick, and felt that he at times looked "sloppy" last season.
"I wanted to get back to feeling my feet," he said. "I feel like I wasn't feeling my feet as much last year. I wasn't as quick off the ball. I wasn't as explosive. I mean, it's obvious. You can watch the film and see I was way heavier. I had a gut. I was looking sloppy. I'm a professional, you know? I understand how this goes."
Clark has been several times this camp talking and working with fellow defensive end and rookie George Karlaftis, who was drafted 30th overall by the Chiefs this year out of Purdue.
Clark described a moment in Saturday's practice where Karlaftis asked him how to come off the ball quicker and be quicker on the snap. When Karlaftis tried doing what Clark told him to, the rookie couldn't wait to tell the seasoned veteran all about it.
"That was the most excited I've seen a rookie," said Clark. "His ability to retain the knowledge I was telling him and for him to go do it and for him to feel it and see the success from it. I was happy and enjoyed his fruits. At the end of the day, that's how I feel about George."
Clark is still waiting to see what will come of his current legal matters. He had two offseason arrests in California in 2021, and has pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of an assault weapon.
Clark was arrested both times on suspicion of having a concealed firearm in a vehicle. He could face a suspension from the NFL for violation of their personal conduct policy.
Clark didn't go into much detail Saturday, other than he "feels good" about where he and his legal team are at on things.
Injury update
Tight end Jody Forston left practice early Saturday due to a quad injury. The team says they’ll know more Monday. Otherwise, nothing new. Lucas Niang, Prince Tega Wanogho and Rashad Fenton are still on the injured list. Orlando Brown, Jr. has yet to sign and report.
Offensive line
With Brown still not present, that's opened the door for Roderick Johnson to be the go-to guy at left tackle initially. On Saturday, there was the first sign of rotation there, as Johnson worked at right tackle and Andrew Wylie moved to left tackle.
The Chiefs rest Sunday, and will return Monday for a full contact practice in full pads. Let the games begin.
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