After missing OTAs, mandatory minicamp and the first five practices at Chiefs training camp, starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. was back on the field with his teammates at training camp in St. Joseph Tuesday.
After being away for so long, working with the Chiefs on long-term negotiations, Brown says it was important for him to come back during the start of fully padded practices this week.
Brown signed his franchise tender Monday, which will pay him around 16.6 million dollars this season. While his future beyond this season has yet to be worked out, Brown says he hopes to finish out his career in Kansas City.
Brown is a three-time Pro Bowler who was acquired from the Ravens in a trade last year.
With Byron Pringle now in Chicago, the Kansas City Chiefs have tried a few new players at kickoff and punt return this training camp. Mecole Hardman is a veteran at that spot, owning both a kickoff and punt return for a touchdown in his career. Special teams coach David Toub (Tobe) says rookie running back Isiah Pacheco (Puh-check-oh) has caught his attention at kick return, and will start the preseason in that spot.
The Chiefs have their first preseason game on August 13th at Chicago. The team will practice again Wednesday and Thursday before a rest day Friday.
Defensive end George Karlaftis has undoubtedly been one of the more exciting rookies during this year’s Chiefs training camp. The 30th overall pick out of Purdue, Karlaftis has worked with the first-team defense, anchoring the line along with veteran Frank Clark. Clark has been seen working with Karlaftis numerous times after practice this camp, but Karlaftis says the entire D-line group has been helpful.
The Chiefs will also be joined this week by veteran defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who was just signed by the team last week. Dunlap owns 96 career sacks through 12 seasons in Cincinnati and Seattle.
Dunlap is expected to report Wednesday and practice Thursday. The Chiefs will have the day off Friday.
