‘I’ll do anything we have to do’: Chiefs’ Andy Reid on possibly shortened preseason
The Chiefs wrap up their offseason workout program next week. In a normal year, this would have coincided with mandatory minicamp. But this year isn’t normal — that offseason program has been totally virtual.
Up next are training camp and the NFL preseason. NFL Network reported Wednesday morning that the league and NFL Players Association are in discussions about cutting the typical four-game slate of preseason games down to two.
While nothing has yet been approved, Chiefs coach Andy Reid appeared to be in favor of a shortened exhibition schedule during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ll do anything that we have to do,” Reid said during a Wednesday afternoon video call. “I want to make sure people are safe. I think we all do, right? We want to make sure that that there’s no repercussions in a time of change with the COVID-19.”
Like the rest of the league, the Chiefs are still in a reactionary mode because of the coronavirus pandemic, which in March brought all sports to a standstill.
But as the months have crept by, sports have begun to return at a cautious pace. Major League Soccer on Wednesday announced its intent to resume with a tournament in July. The NBA is also looking to return to play next month.
The NFL just last week allowed coaching staffs to return to their respective training facilities. Reid and special teams coordinator Dave Toub were at their 1 Arrowhead Drive offices on Friday for the first time since March. The league has also issued protocols, in accordance with state and local restrictions, that are intended to guide teams in bringing players back to their shuttered facilities.
Reid understands the coronavirus situation remains fluid.
“We’re learning new stuff every day, and the doctors and science have done a phenomenal job with it,” he said. “So, let’s see how it goes. I think the league is feeling the same way.”
As for the question of when training camp will start, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier Wednesday that the Chiefs would report on July 25 — 48 days before their Sept. 14 season opener against the Houston Texans.
That timeframe would represent a change from what’s been done in the past — teams have typically started training camp 15 days before their first preseason game. But the new CBA approved in March included some new guidelines.
Reid said the NFL hasn’t told him when the Chiefs will report for camp, which this year will be held at the team’s Kansas City complex, and not in St. Joseph, because of the pandemic.
“They haven’t given us on a start date, or not other than what was the start date before,” Reid said. “So rookies are in on the 22nd, or you could bring them in a little earlier, I guess.”
Reid assured that the Super Bowl champions will be ready whenever they report.
“I put together along with (offensive coordinator) Eric Bieniemy, Spags (defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo) and Toub a regular training camp with flexibility if we have to go a different direction, we can do it,” Reid said. “We’re ready to roll.”
This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 6:43 PM.
