The Chiefs opened their three-day mini-camp today. Some observations:

1. The mini-camp is mandatory for all players under contract and all those under contract were present except for Eric Berry, who was excused for personal reasons. The mini-camp is not mandatory for those not under contract and that group includes unsigned franchise player Dwayne Bowe. Bowe was absent, as he's been for all of the off-season work. Also unsigned is the first-round draft pick, Dontari Poe. But Poe participated in the practice and was even rewarded with the starting spot when the Chiefs worked in their regular defense.

2. Linebacker Brandon Siler, who missed all of last season with a torn Achilles tendon, was able to practice for the first time in the off-season, even if only for individual drills. Siler, once a starter for the Chargers, gives the Chiefs some much needed experience as a backup to starting inside linebackers Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher.

3. The knock on rookie wide receiver Devon Wylie in college was that he had trouble staying healthy. Wylie missed practice today with a sore hamstring.

4. Recently signed veteran safety Abe Elam looked like a good pickup from the first play of practice. He jumped in the passing lane of Matt Cassel's pass for Kevin Boss and came up with the interception.