By MATT PIKE
Kansas City Chiefs rookies and quarterbacks wrapped up practices on the Mosaic Life Care Practice Fields at Missouri Western State University ahead of the official start of camp on Wednesday.
While players worked hard, there was a solemn air that hung over practice after news broke of the shooting of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's wife. 57 year old Mia Bieniemy was hospitalized in stable condition Monday after police responded to a report of a shooting at a home located on the 20000 block of Northpark Drive in Ashburn, Virginia, at 7:32 p.m. ET Sunday night. At the time, police in Loudoun County, Virginia, confirmed that a woman was being treated for "serious injuries" from multiple gunshot wounds but did not disclose her identity.
Bieniemy was absent from practice on Monday. Head coach Andy Reid said after practice there is no timetable for his return to be with the team as he is home with family.
"On these things it's real life," Reid tells reporters after practice. "So you take care of that and that becomes important."
Bieniemy'sson, 27 year old Elijah Zion Bieniemy was arrested and charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside of a dwelling, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office. He is being held without bond according to police.
Despite there being no Bieniemy, players continued to hold a focus on football as best they could, working hard before veterans report to camp on Wednesday for the official start of Chiefs Training Camp. While most players were on the field, Patrick Mahomes did sit out the final practice before Wednesday, giving more reps to the three backup quarterback options.
In the Chiefs revamped running back room, one undrafted rookie running back is looking to make his name known during camp and find a spot on the team, hoping to make a legacy of his own, rather than just being known as the son of a Hall of Fame running back.
EJ Smith, the son of legendary Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, says he's ready to build his own legacy in the league.
"You all know who my dad is, he was a first rounder, I'm an undrafted guy, so my path is already different from his," Smith explains. "So, just throughout my journey just making sure I pave my own path, doing it my way, and learning from him and through his lessons as well is very important for me. And just as a kid my dad always told me to build my own legacy."
Outside of a clear starter in Kenneth Walker, the running back room features intriguing competition this Training Camp with the likes of Smith, along with Emmett Johnson, Emari Demarcado, and Brashard Smith, as well as fellow undrafted free agent Jaydn Ott. Another area that could feature some heavy competition is at wide receiver.
Undrafted free agent Andrew Armstrong will battle to make the team this season out of camp. A veteran among the rookie wide receivers who wrapped up three days of Training Camp practices today, Armstrong hopes to find his way onto the Chiefs roster. Armstrong has been cut previously by the Miami Dolphins and Detroit LIons.
Choosing to join the Chiefs, even with a slightly depleted wide receiver room, Armstong knows there are no guarantees.
"So i knew I was going to have to come in here and do the best that I can, be the best type of player I can on and off the field, in the training room, inside the locker room, a great teammate," Armstrong says. "So, it's just little things like that that make helps me come in here and fight for a spot."
While the Chiefs top three receiver spots are more than likely locked down by Rahsee Rice, Tyquan Thornton, and Xavier Worthy, there is still a need for depth. Kansas City does still have receivers Nikko Remigio and Jalen Royals along with Jason Brownlee and Jimmy Holiday. They also drafted Cyrus Allen in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft and signed undrafted free agent Jeff Caldwell and Omari Evans which Armstrong will have to compete with for a spot.
Following an off day tomorrow, Chiefs Training Camp officially opens on Wednesday at 9:15am. Practice will be open to only season ticket members.
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