Five Eye-Opening Observations From July 30 Chiefs Camp: Mahomes Laser, Rice’s Return, Rookie Buzz, Defense Dominates, More

St. Joseph, Missouri — The Kansas City Chiefs continued ramping up preparations for the 2025 NFL season with an intense, high-energy training camp practice on Wednesday, July 30. With fans crowding the bleachers and heat radiating off the Missouri turf, the reigning AFC champions delivered a session full of insight, highlights, and storylines. From the return of Rashee Rice to a statement day by the defense, here’s what stood out in a revealing day at Missouri Western State University.

1. Rashee Rice returns—and doesn’t shy away from contact

All eyes were on wide receiver Rashee Rice, who returned to the practice field just one day after receiving a league suspension stemming from his offseason legal troubles. The NFL handed down a four-game suspension, and while Rice will be unavailable in the early stretch of the season, he looked every bit ready to go on Wednesday.

The second-year wideout caught multiple passes from Patrick Mahomes in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. Perhaps more importantly, he didn’t play cautiously. On one route over the middle, Rice absorbed a solid hit from safety Justin Reid and popped right back up, spinning the ball on the ground with trademark swagger. His presence restored balance to a WR corps that has been searching for reliability beyond rookie Xavier Worthy and veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

“He knows what he did wrong, but he’s working to earn back the trust,” head coach Andy Reid said. “We’re not going to baby him. He’s got to go out and prove himself every day. Today was a good start.”

2. Mahomes unleashes a vintage highlight that turns heads

Patrick Mahomes reminded everyone why he’s still the most dangerous quarterback in football. During 11-on-11 red zone work, Mahomes rolled left, pump-faked, then launched a no-look laser across his body to Skyy Moore in the corner of the end zone for a score.

It wasn’t just the throw—it was the timing, the footwork, and the confidence. It felt like 2022 all over again. Mahomes spent extra time working with his tight ends and receivers post-practice, including rookie tight end Jared Wiley, who has shown flashes but struggled with drops.

Despite a handful of near-sacks during team drills, Mahomes’ internal clock was sharp. He made a concerted effort to get the ball out quickly, with screen passes and RPOs appearing to be a major focus of the day’s installation.

“Pat’s processing right now is just next level,” said offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. “Even when the play breaks down, he finds magic.”

3. Rookie WR Xavier Worthy showing elite separation and toughness

No rookie may be generating more buzz at camp than first-round pick Xavier Worthy. Known for his 4.21 speed, Worthy’s explosiveness was on full display as he routinely burned defensive backs deep and across the middle.

But what impressed coaches most was his toughness. After taking a hard fall on a contested grab, Worthy bounced back up and ran back to the huddle, helmet slightly tilted but demeanor unfazed. On a later play, he drew oohs from the crowd after splitting double coverage and hauling in a 40-yard dime from backup quarterback Chris Oladokun.

Defensive backs coach David Merritt praised Worthy’s growth: “He’s starting to understand the nuances of NFL coverage. He’s not just relying on speed anymore—he’s setting defenders up.”

While it’s still early, Worthy is cementing his status as WR1 for the opener, especially with Rice set to miss four games. His rapport with Mahomes continues to blossom.

4. Defense wins the day—pass rush and secondary swarm

If there’s a headline beyond Mahomes and Rice, it’s this: Steve Spagnuolo’s defense looked nasty. Linebackers flew downhill. Defensive backs jumped routes. The pass rush—led by George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah—was relentless.

The defensive line routinely collapsed the pocket, forcing Mahomes and the backups to scramble or check down. Karlaftis had two would-be sacks, while Derrick Nnadi tipped a ball at the line that was nearly intercepted by linebacker Leo Chenal.

Cornerback Trent McDuffie continues to play at an elite level. He blanketed Worthy on several routes and had a diving pass breakup in red zone drills. Safety Bryan Cook also notched a pick during 7-on-7, jumping in front of a pass intended for Noah Gray.

“Spags has these guys flying around,” said defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was excused for a personal day but watched practice from the sideline. “We want to be the best defense in the league. That’s the standard.”

The only concern? A few missed tackles in open field drills. But overall, it was a statement day from the defense—a reminder that the Chiefs are no longer just an offensive juggernaut.

5. Position battles heating up—especially at right tackle and CB3

Wednesday’s practice offered further clarity—and new questions—about key position battles.

At right tackle, second-year player Wanya Morris took most of the first-team reps, but rookie Kingsley Suamataia also rotated in. Both had mixed results. Morris was flagged for a false start, while Suamataia gave up a sack to Anudike-Uzomah. This battle could go down to the final preseason game.

Cornerback three remains a hot contest between Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson. Williams flashed in one-on-one drills, but Watson’s physicality at the line of scrimmage earned praise from defensive backs coach Merritt. “They’re pushing each other every snap,” Merritt said.

The third tight end spot also saw some movement. Wiley and veteran Irv Smith Jr. alternated reps, but Smith had two drops—including one in the red zone that drew audible frustration from Mahomes. That competition is wide open, especially with Blake Bell now retired.

One pleasant surprise? Running back Deneric Prince. He showed burst and vision during inside run drills and could be pushing La’Mical Perine for the RB3 job behind Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Quick Hits & Final Thoughts:

• Injury Watch: Kadarius Toney (knee) and Charles Omenihu (ACL) remained limited. Toney worked on the sideline with trainers but is not expected to return to full practice until next week. Rookie corner Kamal Hadden exited early after tweaking his hamstring but was walking under his own power.

• Special Teams: Kicker Harrison Butker nailed all five of his field goal attempts, including a 58-yarder that had plenty of leg. Punter Matt Araiza showed off his booming leg but struggled with consistency on directional kicks.

• Travis Kelce Update: Kelce was full-go and electric. His one-handed snag during red zone drills sparked a standing ovation. At 36, he looks nowhere near retirement form.

• Coaching Vibes: Andy Reid was visibly animated, coaching up linemen between reps and even jumping in to demonstrate footwork. Training camp may be grueling, but Big Red keeps things fresh and focused.

The July 30 practice had everything—elite quarterback play, rookie fireworks, defensive dominance, and plenty of competition. With the season opener just weeks away, the Chiefs look poised to reload, not rebuild, and fans in St. Joseph got a front-row seat to what could be another thrilling campaign.

Next up: Padded practices and the team’s first joint session of camp. With so many roles up for grabs and stars sharpening their edge, this summer in Missouri is turning into a chess match of championship proportions.