Here are Andy Reid’s thoughts on Orlando Brown Jr.’s return to the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. is expected to sign his franchise tag and report for training camp at Missouri Western State University.
But that hadn’t happened as of the end of Monday’s practice.
“When the fish is in the boat, then I’ll let you know,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said.
Monday, which represented the Chiefs’ first full padded workout of training camp, marked the fifth team practice that Brown has missed.
Reid said Brown will need to catch up on new plays and ensure conditioning is right after the left tackle, who will earn $16.6 million on the franchise tag in 2022, didn’t participate in the Chiefs offseason workout program.
Brown has been working out on his own, but there’s a difference from being with teammates and under the watchful eyes of the Chiefs’ coaching staff.
“It’s hard to mimic the game speed, putting the uniform and so on, helmet, pads on when you’re doing stuff on your own,” Reid said. “You got to go through that, get yourself right and he understands that.”
Whether the Chiefs expect Brown to hit the ground running when he eventually reports remains to be seen. But they would be within their right to do so.
In accordance with Article 23, Section 6(c) of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, a veteran player reporting after the mandatory 5-day acclimation period “is not required to undergo any acclimation period. Such a player may practice and play (including the wearing of pads) immediately after passing a physical examination that allows such participation.”
Still, the Chiefs aren’t likely to put their starting left tackle at risk if they feel Brown isn’t ready.
“When he gets here, we’ll talk to him, see where he’s at, and then be smart with him,” Reid said.
If Brown doesn’t immediately practice when he reports, the Chiefs are likely to continue working Roderick Johnson at left tackle.
This story was originally published August 1, 2022 at 2:19 PM.
