Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was left confused and enraged on the sideline after a college rivalry spilled onto the practice field during training camp.
The 7-on-7 portion of Monday's practice ended with a flashpoint when undrafted free agent safety Xavier Nwankpa delivered a huge hit on fellow rookie running back Emmett Johnson. The clothesline sent Johnson horizontal at impact before he fell hard onto his back and was helped up by a teammate.
The hit drew attention online because of the history between the two players' schools. Nwankpa attended Iowa, while Johnson played for Iowa's rival, Nebraska. According to Arrowhead Pride, Mahomes could be heard shouting from the sideline, "What the [expletive] are we doing?"
Johnson was a fifth-round draft pick after being named Big Ten Running Back of the Year. He suffered three losses against Nwankpa and Iowa during his college career, but had big games against the Hawkeyes in his sophomore and junior seasons, including a 217-yard rushing performance last year in a contest where Nwankpa recorded five tackles.
Both players are competing to make the Chiefs' 53-man roster during training camp, with three preseason games ahead, starting against the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday.
Players fighting for roster spots
Johnson has had his work ethic praised by head coach Andy Reid and said he is willing to take on special teams duties if it helps him make the team. In a press conference on July 26, he said that was how you get on the field, and how you help the team win, adding that if he is not a starter, he wants to help on kick returns and punt returns, whatever it takes. He said that mattered more than anything to him and that he takes pride in helping in all phases of the game, since special teams can make or break a game.
Nwankpa is looking to carve out a role on defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense. He said he is just trying to take advantage of any reps he can get, calling himself a young, undrafted guy who is trying to make plays and capitalize on opportunities when his number is called.
Mahomes managing ACL recovery
Mahomes is expected to sit out a preseason game entirely for the first time in his NFL career, against the Rams, as he continues working back to full speed after tearing his ACL last season. He has made a strong recovery and been fully cleared by doctors for training camp, but the Chiefs remain cautious with their franchise quarterback's health.
Reid said last week there is a pretty good chance he does not play Mahomes, adding that he does not know if he will play him in the second or third preseason game, but that the percentages probably lean against it.
Mahomes said last month that he is a competitor, so on game day he wants to be out there, but that he understands getting himself ready for the regular season is more important. He said the coaches and doctors would make that decision for him, but that he would prepare as if he were going to play.
