AFC West Notes: Patrick Mahomes, Broncos, Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes

Chiefs HC Andy Reid explains that they don’t want to stifle QB Patrick Mahomes by preventing him from taking chances and trying to make plays with his athleticism and arm talent.

“You surely don’t want to stifle that at all,” Reid said, via Pro Football Talk. “One thing that he is blessed with is he has good vision, so you don’t ever want to stifle that and put him in a box with that. Allow him to see. Is there going to be a hiccup here or there? Yeah, there’s going to be a hiccup here or there, but you don’t want to stifle that at all. We’ll see how that goes and monitor as it goes. We don’t miss much, but we’ll continue to teach.”

Reid says they’re focused on building upon what Mahomes has already shown during offseason workouts.

“He had a learning period that took place during the OTAs,” Reid said. “Let’s not back up. Let’s keep moving forward with that. Now in these live periods it will be a little bit faster than what you had in the OTAs because of that. With the pads on, which we weren’t able to do, let’s see what you can do. Let’s work through it. Let’s not be hesitant. If there’s an interception here or there let’s learn from it. Let’s challenge the offense, not only the player, but challenge yourself within the offense and see what you can get away with. If there’s an interception we will fix that, but don’t hesitate. If you see it, let’s shoot it and go.”

Broncos

Broncos OC Bill Musgrave mentioned that he’s “very comfortable” with the team’s running backs group that consists of Devontae Booker, De’Angelo Henderson, Royce Freeman, David Williams and Phillip Lindsay.

“We’re very comfortable with the group,’’ said Musgrave, via Mike Klis of 9News. “It’s a young group…But those guys are really developing and we’re looking forward to them making a big contribution.”

While Klis adds that Booker is expected to be the starter, the Broncos hope Freeman can emerge from the group, and Lindsay has received first-team reps in speed packages.

• According to Jeff Legwold, Broncos G Ronald Leary should be ready to go after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his knee in recent weeks.
• Mike Klis says it’s possible WR Jordan Taylor will be the only Broncos’ player to start camp on the PUP list.
• Klis reports that Broncos DT Clinton McDonald had been dealing with a bacterial infection stemming from 2015 shoulder surgery and underwent a procedure in New York to drain the infection. The good news is that McDonald has been cleared and says he’s “good to go” and will take a physical for the team on Tuesday.

Chiefs

Chiefs head athletic trainer Rick Burkholder ran down some of the notable injuries for a few players on Monday, per BJ. Kissel.

• Chiefs DB Ashton Lampkin “isn’t quite ready yet” and OLB Dee Ford is “doing great,” according to Burkholder.
• Chiefs C Mitch Morse is “healed up and been cleared” while RB/KR De’Anthony Thomas “did a lot today, getting him ready for contact.”
• As for RB Spencer Ware, Burkholder says he’s “looked great, bringing along slowly.”
• Chiefs fourth-round S Armani Watts left practice early on Monday due to an ankle injury. (Adam Teicher)