AFC Notes: Chiefs, Raiders, Ravens, Steelers

Chiefs

Following an impressive Week 1 showing Chiefs HC Andy Reid mentioned that QB Patrick Mahomes is “at the beginning of this thing” they’re expecting to see even more improvement in the coming weeks.

“He made plays, and he did it with his legs, he did it with throwing, he did it with checks,” Reid said, via ESPN.com. “I have a lot of respect for [Chargers defensive coordinator] Gus Bradley and his defense. He threw a few things at Mahomes. He got him a few times. But I thought Pat did a nice job of handling it against an experienced and very good defensive coordinator. He’s a unique kid. He’s got to keep working here. He’s just at the beginning of this thing. We’ve got to keep moving forward, taking steps forward.”

Raiders

Raiders HC Jon Gruden said in an interview with Lisa Salters of ESPN that DE Khalil Mack obviously did not want to play in Oakland.

“Obviously, Khalil Mack didn’t want to play here,” Gruden said. “That’s what’s being missed here. He was under contract, Lisa. He was under contract. He never showed up for an OTA, never showed up for a training camp and it was obvious he wasn’t going to show up for the season. Don’t forget that. We have to get ready to play and I want players that want to be here, that want to help us put this thing back in high gear.”

Ravens

• Jeff Zrebiec reports that Ravens RB Kenneth Dixon is expected to miss “some time” with a knee injury.

Steelers

• Jeremy Fowler reports that Steelers CB Joe Haden has a mild (grade one) hamstring pull. According to Fowler, the Steelers won’t push Haden to return and he isn’t considered to be a lock to play against the Chiefs in Week 2 unless it heals correctly early in the week.