Here’s what KC Chiefs coach Andy Reid said about his players’ effort as camp concluded

The Chiefs on Thursday wrapped up training camp 2022 at Missouri Western State University.

The players were not in full pads on the final day, which is how Chiefs coach Andy Reid typically ends training camp. And the practice was light, lasting a little more than an hour for a 10-10-10 session.

After 20 days of on-field work, which included three days of working with just the quarterbacks, rookies and other select players, Reid came away pleased.

“I challenged the guys, which I think is important,” he said. “That bonding becomes important and you bond when you got to do something tough, and they answered the bell every day.

“I appreciate the effort that went into it. And I know some of them were hurting, but they got up and they pushed through. That foundation will pay off for them down the road here.”

The Chiefs used their offseason workout program, organized team activities (OTAs), mandatory minicamp and training camp as the groundwork for what’s to come. Kansas City on Saturday will host the Washington Commanders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, followed by another home preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 25.

Reid plans on getting a good look at his first-team units on offense and defense in Saturday’s game against the Commanders.

“We’ll go somewhere first half with the ones,” Reid said. “It might be shorter than that. I’m going to just see how things go, and then the rest of the guys will fill in.”

If the starters on both sides play more than a single possession, it will be a stark contrast to the Chiefs’ preseason opener at Chicago, when most of the starting offense, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, played just 11 snaps.

When Mahomes leaves this weekend’s game, Reid won’t turn to his primary backup. Instead, the Chiefs will give second-year pro Shane Beuchele and rookie Dustin Crum a good look. Reid already knows what No. 2 QB Chad Henne can do.

“Chad Henne won’t play this game like last year,” Reid said. “(We’ll) sit him and give the two young guys extra time.”

The team’s final two preseason games are an extension of the Chiefs’ evaluation process before the establishment of an initial 53-player roster on Aug. 30, ahead of the regular season.

Competition for roster spots and simply learning the finer points of particular plays was intense throughout camp.

“They challenged each other, and again, that’s all you can ask for as a coach,” Reid said. “I thought it was great for the young guys to see that and feel that, that you have to come out here every day with the right mindset and you have to challenge every play.”

For the players, the hard part — working out in the heat of late-summer practices and living in dorm rooms — is over. The team can finally head back to Kansas City and enjoy the comforts of home.

“We’re getting a haircut tomorrow,” Mahomes said with a chuckle.

PARTICIPATION REPORT

The Chiefs ended training camp without wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee), wide receiver Mecole Hardman (groin), tight end Blake Bell (hip) and defensive tackle Chris Jones (back spasms).

Reid left open the door for Hardman and Jones to play Saturday against the Commanders, but he essentially ruled out Smith-Schuster, who missed the final three days of camp.

“I don’t think JuJu will probably play this game,” Reid said.

Tackle Lucas Niang (knee) remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

OBSERVATIONS

A 10-10-10 practice format pits the first-team offense against backup defenders and the backup offense against the starting defense. Head-turning plays aren’t as notable because the starters are expected to win any matchup.

With that in mind, our roundup of final-day camp observations focuses on personnel groupings:

• There were no surprises on the starting offensive line Thursday, as the Chiefs ended training camp with left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., left guard Joe Thuney, center Creed Humphrey, right guard Trey Smith and right tackle Andrew Wylie on the field. Barring an injury between now and the season opener at Arizona on Sept. 11, this is the Chiefs’ expected starting front five.

• Prince Tega Wanogho might have overtaken Roderick Johnson in the battle for the all-important swing tackle job. Wanogho has worked mostly with the second-team offense at right tackle, while Geron Christian has worked at left tackle. Johnson has played with the third-team offense.

• With Hardman and Smith-Schuster sidelined, the Chiefs worked in wide receivers Justin Watson alongside Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Skyy Moore with the first-team offense.

• The Chiefs appear set at the cornerback position, with L’Jarius Sneed, rookie Trent McDuffie and Rashad Fenton as the top three. Sneed and McDuffie have worked as the outside starters in the Chiefs’ 4-3 base, while Sneed moves inside at the slot and Fenton shifts outside when the Chiefs practice in nickel packages.

• The Chiefs turned to Tershawn Wharton to fill in during Chris Jones’ absence. Danny Shelton continued to work with the backups.