AFC Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders

Broncos

Broncos’ TE Noah Fant has been held back by both injuries and the unexpected death of his mother. He says he is still hoping to become a household name and that the sky is the limit for him if he is no longer hampered by injuries.

“I’ve run into some (acclimation) problems, run into some injuries, had growing pains my rookie year, all that stuff,” Fant said, via Kyle Newman of The Denver Post. “(Her death) is one of those things that wasn’t expected, but definitely I’m using (the loss) as motivation… I know my mom would want me to keep working and keep grinding. She was always happy to see me on the field. If I can play consistently throughout the season, and be at my highest level of play all year long, the sky’s the limit.”

• Bengals’ LB Joe Bachie was also drawing interest from the Broncos and Saints, yet Cincinnati had the highest priority on waivers. (Field Yates)

Chiefs

Chiefs HC Andy Reid said Patrick Mahomes is “full go” after recovering from a turf toe injury and the issue isn’t showing linger effects. 

“He’s been doing everything,” Reid said, via Nate Taylor of The Athletic. “He’s been a full go, and he’s still working with (team vice president of sports medicine) Rick (Burkholder) with the toe. We utilize this as more of a passing camp. We don’t run the ball much. His toe has really done well.”

Reid called signing DT Jarran Reed this offseason a “good get” for their defense and thinks he will provide “flexibility” with DT Chris Jones. 

“He doesn’t spell his name quite right, but he sure plays right,” Reid said. “That signing right there was a good get, and I think will pay off for us in a real big way this season. He gives us flexibility with what we can do with Chris. You’re talking about a Pro Bowl-caliber player.”

Chiefs LB Anthony Hitchens said he is working with second-round LB Nick Bolton on taking notes and learning Kansas City’s defense. 

“Everyone learns differently,” Hitchens said. “Me and Nick right now, we’re working on notes. He’s not big on taking notes, so he’s trying to put it all together with the notes and on the field in the walkthroughs and practices. Just trying to give him different ways I learned and maybe it can help him grow.”

Raiders

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby said he is “very, very close” to returning from his torn labrum and a broken hand.

“I’m very, very close,” Crosby said, via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I’m able to do everything. The good thing is we have time, so I’ve been rehabbing every day getting right, getting stronger, and just getting ready for the season.”

Crosby mentioned that he’s eager to play alongside recently signed DE Yannick Ngakoue. 

“I can’t wait to go out there and play with him,” Crosby said. “He’s a great player. I’ve been watching him from afar. … so I’m really excited and looking forward to playing with him. He’s a stud.”